The children still stood at the door, when it opened and Flo ran out of it desperately, under the effect of his father's abrupt fainting, and the situation in which he was in right at the moment.
- Mohammed, help me, please! – Christine's scared voice filled the hallway as she glanced outside. – Erik is ill! Children… - She paused, looking at her children absently, then gestured at them dismissingly. – Please go to your room and play, I am busy. Go, go!
Flo, as the oldest of the children present at that time, grabbed Belle's hand mechanically, and turned around to lead her away from drama. Noel, sill under the shock of Erik's earlier statement, followed him, and so did Greg, who understood nothing of the issue going on, but felt he needed the support of his older siblings. He did not feel safe alone, as something wrong had happened. His earlier life was full of happenings which made him suffer, and now he was praying his Papa will feel better soon. They all ended up in Mahtab's room, and started chattering about the issue, to resolve the mystery and to ease their uncomfortable feelings.
- What is adopted? – Belle, being the youngest of the group, had never heard this word, or at least she did not remember hearing it, and being the always oh so curious little girl, she had to ask.
- It means that your parents aren't your real parents, but someone took you in because you had no parents. – Greg explained on his monotone – sounding voice, being so experienced in the matter. He already had 4 owners and a true family.
- Yes, it has happened to Greg, it is true. – Noel nodded. – Mahtab found him.
- I did. – Mahtab nodded, being a bit of confused what his younger siblings are doing in his room and why are they talking about adoption. – What is the matter with Greg?
- Nothing. – Flo sighed. – I made everything worse, Papa is ill again.
- Oh God in Heaven, no. – Mahtab slipped in soprano yet again, as always when she was upset. – Seizure?
- I don't know, he fainted, but Mama sent me out of the room, I did not see if he was having seizure or not.
- Do you know if Papa dies it is your fault? – Noel asked with accusation, but fell silent when Mathab pushed his side by his bony elbow.
- No one is going to die here. – Mahtab stated. – And now everyone calm down. It is only a misfortunate evening.
- But who ELSE is adopted, other than Greg?
- No one. – Mahtab shook his head with an annoyed little snort. – And Greg is our brother too, being adopted or not.
- Papa said so himself. – Noel went on, looking around. – He sure knows if someone isn't his OWN child here.
- No one is adopted. – Mahtab again slipped into girly range by his worked up emotional state, no matter how he was trying to get back into tenor.
- You are the only one who sure isn't. – Noel pointed out. – As you resemble Papa in a one hundred percent accuracy. But… well, I look like Papa a lot, as well, and even my voice is similar, so maybe is it Flo?
- Me? Are you crazy? – Flo gasped. – Where is my musical talent from, if not from Papa?
- Two children are adopted. Mahtab is not adopted, I am not either…
- I am older than you! – Flo pointed at Noel.
- It means nothing at all.
- I was present at Flo's birth. – Mahtab pointed out. – I know he is Mama's and Papa's son.
- You were yet small. – Noel said darkly. – You can't exactly know.
- I do. – Mahtab sighed. – Go to bed, everyone.
- Wait. – Noel slapped his forehead suddenly, looking at Flo. – Do you remember when it was only the three of us: Mahtab, you and me? And Mama fell ill.
- Because she was expecting a baby. – Flo nodded.
- Yes. – Noel pointed at Belle, who was already occupied by climbing up to Mahtab's desk to see what he was drawing, so she did not really pay attention any more. – And she was born.
- Do you mean…? – Flo was staring at Belle for a few seconds.
- We weren't home, do you remember? No one was here to be sure.
- Yes, because Mama was very ill. We were at Tonton Raoul's, and Sophie… oh… I will have to write to Sophie that I am not going to marry her because I have a family. – Flo suddenly changed the subject, remembering back to his old love.
- Oh, Flo, I think Sophie already knows that. – Mahtab shook his head. – You haven't seen each other for ages.
- And now will Flo be disowned, just comes to mind? - Noel stated his realization out loud.
- What is disowned? – Belle asked again, being both curious and scared, by hearing too much foreign words in a short time period, jumping off of the chair, walking closer to the others.
- It means Papa will send him away because he was bad. – Noel explained.
- What the Hell are you talking about? I am not even adopted!
- No, but I read if boys make their parents angry or disappointed, they will be sent awa…
- What I hear? – The Daroga's angry voice interrupted the conversation.
The children all fell silent, as it was a rare occasion if the Persian Tonton rose his voice. It was mostly Erik who disciplined them if they misbehaved, not the Daroga. There is a huge problem going on if he decided to interfere.
- Noel, what things are you saying? Aren't you ashamed? Your poor old father isn't feeling well at this very moment, he needs calm and peace around him, and what are you doing?
- I was merely… thinking.
- Thinking? Rather you incite another quarrel! Isn't one drama enough for tonight?
- Papa said…
- Papa is out of his mind with anger right now, so he might not make sense in every way. – Mohammed sighed. – Noel, stop making up theories and frightening your siblings! They need nothing of that sort right now. Go to your room and occupy yourself with more useful things to do, for example you could pray for your father. And think what you've done and said. Ask for God's forgiveness for the sinful thoughts in your head.
Noel, contrary to his usual nature, did not dare to talk back this time, as he knew if the Daroga is mentioning God instead of Allah, indicated he was very angry, and wanted Noel to think real hard what he had done. He obediently walked out of Mahtab's room, whispering a faint "Sorry" at the doorway. As Noel was out of the room, the Persian walked inside with a deep sigh, looking at the children with a glance full of both compassion and tiredness. He took Belle's hand and guided her out of the room to hers, telling her it was already late and she had to go to bed.
- But is Papa very ill? – She asked, worrying, looking at her parents' bedroom door.
- He is tired. – The Daroga stroke her red locks and patted her shoulder. – He needs to sleep.
- Can he sleep without bedtime story? – She inquired anxiously.
- He can't read you a bedtime story, dear, he will tomorrow.
- No, I mean he needs me to read him a story. – Belle looked up, pointing at the door. – Won't he have nightmares?
- Oh no, dear, he is already sleeping. He is very tired. It had happened to you as well that you could not listen to a story, as Papa carried you to bed you were already asleep.
- Yes, because I was too exhausted. I played with horsies.
- I know. – The Persian smiled at her, gently rubbing her back. – Nothing is wrong dear, go to sleep.
Belle obeyed, hugging her favorite toy for bed, and when she was already in bed, and the Daroga made sure she was feeling safe and comfortable, only then he walked back to Mahtab's room. In there, sat a desperate and guilty Flo, with Mahtab trying to support and make him feel better. Greg already went to bed as well, he did not wish to bother anyone.
- It is all my fault. – Flo whispered brokenly. – I should have been more careful. Or shouldn't have told.
- You did the right thing. – Mahtab patted Flo's back. – It is not fair with Lily if you don't speak, just for the sake of peace. You need to support her. Be strong, she needs you.
- But now what shall happen?
- It goes as it goes. – Mahtab sighed. – I don't know.
- Is it painful to be pregnant? – Flo asked innocently.
- How should I know? – Mahtab shrugged. – And I will never find it out.
- At least you won't make Papa angry as I did. Maybe he does not love me anymore because I am not a good boy…
- He loves you still. – Mahtab said knowingly. – He is angry for you, not with you.
- What do you mean? – Flo dried his eyes with his sleeve.
- I mean he is angry because he did not imagine your future like this. He wanted to give you a proper education and a job, and he is afraid you won't live well with your family because of your decisions.
- I see. But now what can I do…? – Flo looked around, seeking for help.
- At first, - The Daroga joined in the conversation again as he stepped inside the room -, you should calm down and sleep too. Your father still loves you and only wants the best for you. He will get used to the scenario within time. Give him time. And don't blame yourself. Erik had made strange or stupid decisions in his earlier life as well, he can't really judge you.
- How is Papa? – Mahtab asked with worry.
- Sleeping. Not well, but not terribly ill. He just could not take stress well. Boys, you know he is not young anymore and his life was full of traumas. His heart is weakened throughout the years. If I were you, I'd be careful how abruptly I tell life changing news for the next time.
- Did he have a seizure? – Mahtab went on.
- No. Not this time. He fainted. He complained about chest pain, but nothing more. It must be only he was nervous. But maybe it won't do any harm if I call a doctor for him. Calm down and sleep. Everyone. Sleep now.
The Persian went out of the room, to check on Erik yet again.
- Don't worry Flo. – Mahtab smiled. – You see, Papa isn't going to die, and everything shall work out fine. If you want to, you may sleep here in my room tonight.
- Do you not mind it? – Flo hugged his older brother with love and a thankful expression.
- But of course, I don't mind sleeping with someone I love. I love you my little brother.
- Whatever happens?
- Whatever happens. We love you. All of us.
As the Daroga entered the master bedroom, he saw Christine sitting by the side of the bed, holding Erik's skeletal hand. The poor old man was sleeping, seemingly peacefully, so Mohammed only nodded at the sight.
- If you need anything, call for me. – He whispered to Christine than he left for the night.
Christine, after some time, calmed down enough to finally go to sleep as well by her husband's side. She did not want to think of the situation they were in yet, and did not wish to consider the possibility of becoming a grandmother yet. She was a strong woman, but she always needed some time to face new problems in her life, and needed a lot of time to overcome tragedies and unexpected problems. She did not yet feel strong enough to think what shall happen next – she only wanted to feel Erik's presence. Carefully, not to wake him up, she snuggled up to his bony side and put her head on his chest.
She did not know how much time she spent sleeping with her husband when she felt her head being gently put on her pillow. The hand touching her was cold and a bit sweaty. She opened her eyes and saw a lanky figure walking away from the bed and putting on his robe in the dark. She sat up in bed and lit the lamp, noticing Erik walking towards the door.
- Erik… are you not sleeping? – She whispered.
- No. – He grunted.
- Why not? – She worried, taking a quick glance at Erik's pocket watch laying on top of the end table next to the bed. It was half past two.
- I can't. – Another morose reply came, while Erik put on his slippers. – My system got used to sedatives over the years. They don't work too much.
- Why don't you come back here and try to close your eyes for a bit? Maybe you fall asleep again.
- No. – Erik shook his head. – I need some… meh.
- Some what? – Christine got suspicious.
- Break.
- No, you were going to say something. – She was now up and walking towards Erik, who already grabbed the doorknob. – Erik do not drink. It won't solve anything. Please.
- Alcohol doesn't help any more. – Erik sighed brokenly. – I can still THINK if I drink, though I used to drink to forget.
- Then what do you need? What were you going to get?
- Some… cough medicine. – Erik forced some cough out of himself to prove how much he needed it. – I… can't sleep if… I am coughing this way.
- Oh Erik… no! Do not start it over please. No.
- Christine what do you… expect of me… in my age… in my situation? I am… I… failed. Failed as a father… I could not… raise my son as a normal person, I wasn't… able to… save him from this… Where did I ruin it…?
- Erik, it is not your fault. You did not ruin anything.
- A father… is responsible for his children's acts. I should have paid more attention to him.
- Erik, they are not young children any more you can't always hold their hands. Erik…
- This is why… I never wanted children… in the first place… I knew I will be a terrible father to them.
- A terrible father? The man who tells them good night stories, supports them, teaches them…
- What is the use of it when they turn out to be… like this…? Because their father… could not teach them what is right and wrong?
- Contrary to your childhood and early life you are the best father you can be. – Christine stated calmly.
- I need cough medicine. – He turned away again in embarrassment and a slight disgust to open the door, but Christine put her hand on his shoulder.
- Erik, please don't make matters worse. You just suffered through an illness. Please. Don't make it worse by taking… drugs again. You promised me you won't touch those horrid things any more. After our wedding… Erik… you promised.
- I did, Christine, I did, but when I did, I did not know I will be such a failure in every possible way.
- Erik, I still think you are the best husband ever. You gave me beautiful and clever children and I love all of them. Do you hear me? All of them. Please. Don't take any cough medicine.
- Christine… you know I can handle this. I was able to quit it once. I am able to quit it again if I want to.
- But it was 20 years ago, Erik, and it took you enough suffering. I know you were in pain many times, don't deny it. I don't want you to start it over.
- I have not much choice to remain sane.
- But it is your cough medicine which makes you insane, exactly. Remember back your jealousy fits!
- Which were because of the withdrawal, not the use.
- Oh Erik… no… please… If you are feeling ill, why don't you let your wife take care of you? Why do you need stupid medicines?
- Oh… would she? – Erik lifted his head up, with a hopeful expression.
- She will, always. – Christine placed a warm kiss on that cold and pale forehead and gently, but firmly took Erik's hand to guide him back to bed.
- Wait a moment, I have to undress. – Erik stuttered hesitantly.
- Oh, at least you won't feel too cold, dear. – Christine smiled and playfully pulled Erik back to bed.
Obediently Erik lay back down and allowed Christine to stroke his hair until his troubled mind was again settled, and in an hour, he was already sleeping again. With a smile, Christine kissed her sleeping husband, and put her head back on his chest. Love always fights obstacles, and sure, there are always some kind of problems in a marriage and with children. But as long as a family loves each other, everything can be solved. She felt pride she was able to make Erik change his mind as well – it was the first huge tragedy Erik felt the need of that cough medicine again during their marriage, and she was proud she was able to talk to him about it, and he accepted her reasoning. What is this, if not a proof they can solve everything?
