She disregarded everything I said and rushed to get my father. It didn't matter how desperately I begged.
My heart raced inside my chest, I could barely breath.
A man I'd never seen before hovered above me like a mountain. He didn't speak, neither did I.
"Clara."
My voice came out awkward.
"Father.."
The man patted my hair soothingly. Though it seemed to be more for himself rather than me. "What do you remember, ma fille?"
"That my name is Clara— according to you. And apparently you're my father— according to the girl who brought me here?"
He froze.
"You don't remember anything?"
"Nothing at all."
With closed eyes, he sucked in a breath. 'Father' squatted in front of me. He held my face in his hands as he looked me in the eyes. His gaze held conviction and promise. "I'm taking you to a physician, yes."
It wasn't a question.
He stood up with a grunt. His atmosphere unbearably resigned— like he'd already failed me.
Then he picked me up, like you'd carry a baby. It was...weird. Maybe a tad bit comforting. It held a sense of worry and affection. But that doesn't change the fact that I don't know this man at all.
I felt his voice reverberate above me as I lay tucked into his embrace.
"I'm sorry I let this happen."