The Daddy

"I didn't mean to put you through so much pain," Geale continued, pulling Marnthe closer to him.

"Anything I'll say to explain my behavior will just be excuses. But if I'm given the chance to do things all over again, I will heed your warning and watch the sun rise with you on the shore instead."

"What?" Marnthe released himself from Geale's grasp and turned around to stare confused at him.

"I won't drag you into the water with me. I will ask you what you mean, and I'll patiently listen to your story."

"But you'll still be stranded here!"

"And I'll get to be with you."

Marnthe felt his heart skip a beat and shook his head. "No. This isn't right."

It wasn't logical.

Geale gently cradled Marnthe's cheek with his hand. "You are the first person I felt this way towards. I'm not just here because I found you pretty or interesting.