THE NIGHTMARE

Chapter 59

I hoped he could see that my apology meant everything I said.Although he kept his face emotionless as he spoke, I observed his jaw clench and unclench several times as I kept my gaze fixed on his.

You did not merit any of that suffering.I said, "I am so very sorry, I now see that clearly," and as I started to walk toward him, he scoffed.

"If you were useless to me, why would I give you some of the best gifts in the world to celebrate your birthday?"

I just shrugged.I thought you were doing that, maybe to get me to relax around you or to tighten your grip on me.Now that I was close enough to touch him, I started sweeping my fingers along his cheeks by raising my left arm.

That is fascinating.So tell me, did my constant presence and gifts over the years have such little significance to you?

After a brief pause with my arm in midair, I let it fall slowly.I heard a low whistle from the patrol team outside.Someone whistled back in response after a few minutes.I let go of my arm as a new fe