Capítulo 37: Chapter 37: What If I Say No?
"It's beautiful."
At the Podrick Farm, Azu gazed at the tiny fish glowing green in the aquarium.
When Peter returned from the Smallville River, he'd casually caught a couple of fish that had been exposed to kryptonite radiation and tossed them into the tank.
Curious and excited, Azu asked Peter, "Dad, what kind of fish is this?"
Peter examined the fish's shape and said, "It looks like a mouth-brooding fish."
The oddly shaped fish seemed drawn to them, staring at Peter's fingers as he touched the glass.
"I've never seen this type of fish before."
Azu wanted to reach in but resisted the impulse. He looked up and asked, "Dad, is this a mermaid?"
"This isn't a mermaid."
Peter shook his head. "Mermaids live in the sea."
"Then, do mermaids really exist in this world, Dad?"
Azu kept up his curiosity.
Peter thought for a moment. Since this world had Aquaman, it was likely that mermaids existed too. However, they wouldn't grant immortality like in fairy tales.
He patted Azu's head and said, "That's for you to discover."
Azu nodded confidently. "If they're real, I'll catch one for you, Dad, and keep it in our tank."
"Is that so? I look forward to it."
He almost wanted to say, "Dad's already immortal, so could you catch a mermaid already?" But he swallowed the words, knowing it would sound a bit cheeky.
"Dad?"
Unaware of his father's musings, Azu turned and asked Peter, "You told me and Clark not to reveal our powers, so why didn't you scold us when we made a mistake?"
Looking at the little fish that almost pulled Clark into the river, Azu recalled what happened earlier that day.
"Because you and Clark are still kids, and it's unrealistic to expect you to act like adults."
Peter explained, "When a crisis hits, even adults can't always make the right choice. Most people act on deeply ingrained instincts, and you and Clark simply followed yours."
Azu scratched his head, looking a bit puzzled.
After thinking it over, he asked, "Then why did you say it wasn't right or wrong, but that we might lose something?"
Seeing Azu's eagerness for answers, Peter realized he had turned into a "walking encyclopedia" just like Clark.
"You and Clark chose to save people, and they may be grateful, but they might also fear you. When others view you as different, it's hard to stay balanced, and your peaceful life may be lost."
Hearing this, Azu nodded in understanding. His father meant he might lose the quiet life he knew.
"That's okay, as long as you're with me, Dad."
Azu didn't think it was a big deal.
Seeing Azu's face relax, Peter knew he'd gotten through to him.
"Alright, it's getting late. John, go on up to bed."
He patted Azu's shoulder, prompting him to go to sleep.
"Okay."
Azu nodded obediently.
Just as he was heading upstairs, he turned and said firmly, "Dad, next time the school bus falls in the river, I won't save anyone unless you're on it."
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Azu darted up the stairs after saying this.
Standing by the aquarium, Peter felt a mix of emotions.
Was he cursing me or really talking about saving me?
The next day...
Clark and Azu were sent for school-organized counseling.
At Kent Farm, Jonathan and Martha were busy loading soybeans into the truck bed.
While they worked, an unexpected visitor arrived at the farm.
"Mr. and Mrs. Kent."
A young Black man wearing sunglasses entered the farm and greeted them.
"And you are…?"
Jonathan paused his work, surprised by the stranger.
The young man removed his sunglasses, "I'm Horace Hawkins."
It was the young Horace, who'd given himself a fake name. "I'm from the Smallville Police Department. I'd like to ask you a few questions."
He produced a fake badge, briefly showing it to Jonathan before putting it away.
"I wanted to talk about yesterday's bus accident. Is Clark around?"
Seeing the police interested in this, Martha exchanged a worried glance with her husband.
Jonathan patted her arm and replied calmly, "Our child was also a victim of that accident. He's currently in counseling. If you need to speak with him, this isn't a good time."
"Hmm."
Horace nodded and said to Jonathan, "I'm actually here to speak with you two."
"Us?"
In the living room, Jonathan and Martha exchanged puzzled looks.
Jonathan hesitantly asked, "What do you want to know, Officer Hawkins?"
Holly sipped his coffee leisurely. "I looked into the adoption records from the Smallville Orphanage six years ago. From April to July, only one girl was adopted."
He placed a printed record on the table. "According to your file, you adopted a baby boy from the orphanage in July six years ago, and they provided you with a certificate."
"Strange!"
He took another sip of coffee. "Why did you adopt a baby boy when the orphanage didn't report any male babies being placed?"
At this, Martha clutched Jonathan's hand tightly. She knew the visitor must have discovered something.
Horace continued, "There's only one explanation—Clark wasn't adopted from the orphanage. You lied."
Jonathan frowned, staring at Holly. "What are you trying to say?"
"Relax, Mr. Kent. We're not enemies."
Horace set down his coffee. "I know Clark is gifted. He's meant for something greater, to change this world. He shouldn't be hidden away on a farm."
Holly explained his intentions. "I can help him. Together, we can make this world better."
Jonathan shook his head, "I don't know what you're talking about. Besides, Clark's just a kid—he's not extraordinary."
"We both know who he is, Mr. Kent. There's no need to hide it from me."
Before Horace could continue, Jonathan stood up suddenly, pointing toward the door, his face grim. "I think you should leave."
Seeing that he'd been shown the door, Horace slowly rose to his feet. "What if I say no?"
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