Catching a Flight

"I'm really screwed this time…"

Sweat runs like a river down my back as I watch Ange drop her luggage next to the couch. Mark is at the kitchen table unpacking what appears to be a set of three rice bowls. You would imagine that they would all be the same flavour considering that each person gets their own. However, a choice must be made between chicken, steak, and tofu.

"Where is Mira?"

"She, uh…went out for a bit with her friend!"

"A friend?"

I know that my excuse was kind of half-baked, but I need it to be enough to fool Mark. If he were to realise that she wasn't coming back tonight, I don't want to know what would happen.

"That's great!"

To my surprise, Mark actually shows off an extra helping of life. He puts a hand on his daughter's shoulder with a wide smile.

"See, Ange? Even Mira has friends now!"

"Does she now?"

Her response is a bit lackluster compared to the usual energy I see bursting between these two. Ange doesn't so much as make eye contact with her father as he points it out.

"Ah, would you look at the time!?"

Mark finishes unloading our meal as he rushes to the door.

"I have to get ready for an early flight! Walk with me, Noa!"

"A-Alright!"

We hurriedly put on our shoes and briskly made the trek down stairs. In the glow of the setting sun, I see a lighter in Mark's hand. His fingers quickly run through every scratch and crevice along the metal body.

"I hope I get any amount of sleep tonight! I didn't expect this to be so difficult!"

He laughs, but I can tell that it takes every bit of his strength to avoid turning around and grabbing his daughter. Even when we get to his car, Mark can't stop shaking.

"My angel will be okay, right?"

"O-Of course! I won't let anything happen to her!"

Things may have taken a surprising turn, but I have no intention of betraying his trust. I promised that I would take good care of Ange, so I'll do it even if it kills me.

"You'll stop all the dangerous guys from going near her?"

"I'll make sure we avoid them completely."

"If somebody touches her, you'll make them pay with their lives?"

"Uhh…I'll show a bit of mercy…"

His hand is on the door of the driver seat, but Mark still doesn't pull. His hands have turned white with how hard he grips the motionless handle.

"She'll have enough to eat, right? Wait, did I make sure she had enough clothes? What if she can't sleep without her pillow!?"

"Hey! Don't make me sound like a child!"

"Ange!?"

I turn to see the orange rabbit standing with hands on her hips. Mark's eyes are locked on her frown as she marches towards us.

"What are you doing worrying about me!? You should be thinking about surviving your trip!"

"M-My trip?"

Ange stops within arm's reach of her father and points a finger straight at his face.

"Have you packed yet?"

"I was going to pack after I got back…"

"How about the hotel? Do you know how to get there from the airport?"

"P-Probably…"

She lets out a loud huff before crossing her arms.

"See? Worry about yourself first."

"But Ange…"

"Look!"

Orange hair sways to the side as a large mass. This time, her finger is pointed at me.

"This guy is here, so I'll be fine. Dad is the one who needs concern!"

"Are you sure that you'll be okay!?"

Mark has his hands on her shoulders, tears preparing to stream down his face. In response, he receives a smile brighter than the slowly setting sun.

"If anything happens, I'll give you Noa's head on a platter!"

"My dear Ange!"

"Please don't look so moved by such a gruesome image…"

Despite being the one with the worst fate, I disappear into the background when this father embraces his child. Maybe this is just what being a parent is like. Your child is your whole world and a few meaningless lives lost isn't a big deal.

His eyes are still puffy from the tears, but Mark is back to standing straight with determination.

"Alright, I'm off!"

"Bring back souvenirs!"

"Of course! I'll return with enough sweets to keep you full for a month!"

Door now open, Mark finally prepares to enter his car. For a moment, his gaze lands on me.

A nod is all we need to share.

Everything we wanted to say has been said and anything else would just be a further delay. Mark doesn't need any more words of assurance or encouragement. He just needs to turn around and trust in my word and the decision he made. If he can't separate himself from his daughter here, who knows if he would ever be able to in the future. This is a test, a test for both of us.

"Just trust me…"

They are neither the words I should tell him nor the words he should hear, so I say them quietly. With nothing left to exchange, Mark starts the car and drives out.

"Have fun!"

Ange continues waving until his car is fully out of view. With goodbyes out of the way, the air between us shifts.

"Now then…"

She takes a few steps forward before taking up my entire view. Arms are back on her hips as Ange gives her best attempt at a Stella impression.

"Where is Droopy Ears?"

"Ah…"

Here I was hoping that she would forget. Unfortunately, my interrogation cannot be avoided.

"Is she really just out with her 'friend'?"

"Kind of…"

"So she just wandered out."

"No, the friend part at least is true."

"Hmm…"

Ange continues to look forwards, but her eyes don't seem to be looking at anything. Even after a few moments, she never returns from within her thoughts. In the end, I have to break the stalemate.

"How about we eat first?"