Chapter One Hundred & Sixty-Two

Mr. Alcantara had been trying to reach his daughter, Melanie, but she had adamantly refused to pick up his calls.

He was sincerely worried about her, so he called Clara to ask for Melanie's well-being, but even Clara's response didn't seem to relieve him of his worries.

He tried again and after many calls, Melanie finally answered the call.

“My dear, how have you been, I have been trying to reach you all day, are you okay?” Mr. Alcantara asked.

His worries were growing each second and he could not contain it.

“I am fine Dad, how are you?” Melanie sounded exhausted.

She was trying to sound normal so that he would not worry about her so much.

“Why haven't you been picking up my calls?” Mr. Alcantara asked again.

He ignored her previous question, all that mattered to him was that she was doing well.

“Dad, I said I'm fine, how are you coping?” Melanie asked.

She diverted the question, she didn't want to look weak so her father could be strong.

“I am coping but I don't think I can do that f