ANNATORIA
“Annatoria,” the man groaned as though he had just returned from the worst journey. “There you are.” His lips carried a smile that haunted me while his voice rang in my ears and reminded me of my suffering days. “Why were you so hard to find?”
“Wh-” Speaking was suddenly hard, the swelling emotions stuck in my throat did not help matters. My eyes pinched shut for a few seconds. And when I slowly opened them, I compelled myself to remain strong.
So, my shoulders squared, I ignored the fear building in the depths of my soul and moved away from the wall.
“Father.” I stood behind my desk, a simple exhale left me, and I finally demanded, “What are you doing here?”
“How f*****g dare you?” he asked with fake gentleness. “You abandoned me. What gives you the guts to ask that quest
