This past month had been quite tormenting for Delphine. The moment she heard him speak, her large, grape-like eyes welled up with tears, ready to fall at any moment.
Seeing this, the man quickly cupped her small face, gave her a kiss, and softly said, "No tears, you'll not be pretty if you cry."
Delphine couldn't help but burst into laughter, remembering how he used to trick Benjamin this way. Every time Benjamin cried, he'd scare her by saying she wouldn't be pretty. At five years old, little girls become aware of their looks, so she would quickly hold back her tears, feeling wronged.
"I'm not five-year-old Benjamin," Delphine choked up. For the past month, she had been holding back so painfully, avoiding seeing him, fearing he wouldn't want her to see him at his weakest and most helpless. He even accused her of being heartless. Needing pride and face is his issue, but now she has to take the blame.
