(DARIAN)
The look of shock on Alice's face makes me want to chortle.
I'm not surprised by the quick flash of anger that follows. I had anticipated that. I'm sure I'm going to get an earful later on.
My father leans toward me as I sit down next to him. "Is that the young lady you can't seem to stop jabbering on about?"
"Pretty, isn't she?"
My father sighs. "If it were looks you were going for, I'm sure you could have found more beautiful women. But I guess it was more than just that."
"The fates chose her for me, Father. She's the perfect fit for me."
My father's health has begun to decline in the past decade. My mother died during childbirth, and while my father has not been the most affectionate of parents, he hasn't been completely neglectful. I see him watching Alice, a wistful look in his eyes.
"What is it?"
He's silent, as if thinking something over, and when he speaks, his voice is tired and filled with a heavy grief. "She reminds me of Maya."
