Capítulo 12: Father and daughter

Vlad had the experience of staying alone in a room. Now he had the company of two tigers, but those wouldn't let him close to them: they were just there, resting by themselves.

He wasn't questioning the fairness of his staying to watch the tigers: he lost the game. He had always respected the rules, despite his inclination to break them impulsively, often without considering the repercussions.

Years ago, he used to escape from prison all the time. He even thought it was cool at the time: it was very liberating, and not only physically. He, of course, would never forget the last time he escaped the prison.

It happened around 8 years ago, in Eclaté. The sun shone brightly in the clear azure sky, casting its golden rays upon the charming town. A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying with it the fragrance of blooming flowers and the faint sound of laughter in the air. The streets were alive with activity as people strolled along the cobblestone paths, their footsteps echoing softly.

Vlad, as always, escaped for the only reason: to go see his daughter, Crystal. He was very proud of the young lady she was growing up to be. She was healthy and cheerful, she already had a strong personality and seemed to live a good life, just as a girl of her age should.

He, however, very well understood how killing could the loneliness be, and how much joy having a family caring for one could bring. He knew he could only offer Crystal one thing—to show her that he would always be there for her, no matter the circumstances. For her sake, he was willing to defy any rule, to shatter any barrier that stood between them. Crystal was the embodiment of his love and the sole priority in his life, and he would go to any lengths to ensure her happiness.

In his mind's eye, he could still vividly recall the moment he slipped through the grasp of his captors, his agile form moving swiftly through the winding alleys and cobblestone streets. The town had been a maze of hidden passages and secret corners, familiar to him from countless previous visits, including the ones from before he got arrested in the first place. He navigated with the instincts of a seasoned fugitive, his determination unwavering.

He saw her on the street, alone, walking towards the city park where she used to play with her friends. As he stood before one of the stores on the street, heart pounding, he hesitated for a moment, his mind filled with doubts and uncertainties. Doubts swirled in his mind, but he knew he had to take this chance.

"Crystal!" He exclaimed finally.

The girl turned to look at him, a mixture of disgust and fear etched on her face—a sight that pained Vlad deeply. However, he met her gaze with a warm smile.

"It's me, your dad! How have you been? Is everything okay?"

Crystal's fists clenched, and Vlad noticed a glimmer of diminishing fear in her eyes. It gave him hope. Yes, it would take time for her to see him differently, but he believed they were making progress.

Once again, Crystal denied being his daughter, falling prey to the lies fed to her by Priscila. The injustice of it all infuriated Vlad. He firmly believed that Crystal deserved to know the truth about her parents.

Vlad was determined to change that. He knew it would take time and patience, but he refused to let his daughter grow up believing falsehoods. He had to find a way to show her the truth, to unravel the web of lies that had been woven around her.

As Crystal stood there, her eyes narrowing with a mix of uncertainty and defiance, Vlad's heart ached. He longed to hold her, to reassure her, but he knew he had to tread carefully.

"Crystal, I understand that you've been told things, things that have made you doubt. But deep down, in your heart, you know the truth," Vlad spoke gently, his voice filled with unwavering conviction. "I love you, and I will always be your father, and I'll do anything for you. No matter what anyone says."

He focused his gaze on Crystal, but from the corner of his eye, he noticed Jane, the captain of the guards, and Rachel, Crystal's black-haired friend, rushing towards them. Vlad had known Jane for a long time, and he knew that she felt remorse for him, aware of the truth behind his story.

"You love me and will do anything?" Crystal repeated his words.

"In this case… I ask you to get out of my life. I ask to never see you again!" She was almost crying, but her words sounded confident.

Vlad seemed shocked. Moments ago, he had felt a glimmer of progress, as if they were finally bridging the gap between them. To never see her again... It was a devastating request.

"Would you do this for me? Or were you lying when you said you would do anything?" Crystal's voice wavered, tears streaming down her face, but her resolve remained unyielding.

"I would do anything. But are you sure..." Vlad's voice trailed off, his heart heavy with sorrow.

"I am sure. I ask you to never see me again," Crystal's tears continued to flow, but her eyes held firm resolve.

Jane and Rachel stood at a distance, observing the heartbreaking scene unfold. Rachel's eyes were filled with tears, while Jane silently smoked a cigarette, her expression unreadable.

"I understand. I will never come to see you again." He felt a void opening inside him, an emptiness that could never be filled. He had promised to do anything, and he couldn't disobey Crystal's heartfelt wish. He was a man of his word.

A tear ran down his cheek. He looked at a mother tiger playing with her baby. He has never seen Crystal again.

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