The next few days, I could tell I was distracted. I found it difficult to concentrate at work despite my job always having been my top priority. When my day off finally rolled around, I slipped on my only pair of jeans and green button up shirt before heading out to the subway tunnels. I had brought my research notes along with me but they remained in the bag throughout the ride. I was too full of apprehension to focus. Hopefully by the end of the day I would be back to my normal self and not this mess that I had become.
I rode the subway all the way to the outskirts of the city. From there it was only a short walk to my destination. Within a few minutes, a large old-fashioned house came into my field of vision. Swallowing my pride, I headed towards the home of my upbringing.
I had not called to warn of my visit but my father was sitting under the eaves of the porch when I approached the house. My father was a kind man but a strict father. He tackled the duty of raising me on his own and never seemed to waver in strength throughout. Looking at him now, I could see that time had began to weigh on him yet appeared just as intimidating and powerful as he always had to me.
"Shino," He greeted simply while taking in my appearance.
"Father," I returned stiffly, "I came seeking advice."
He stood and headed into the house, a silent command to follow. As I entered the house, I removed my bag off and hanged it on the door hook. After completing my task, I slowly made my way into the kitchen and settled across the table from the most influential man in my life.
"I see you have changed your style," he observed.
Glancing down at my jeans, I realized he was right, "I only own this pair but yes, I find them more comfortable than I expected to."
He smirked knowingly, "You have found someone."
It was not a question but rather an observation. Another example of my father looking into my soul and finding things that I would rather he didn't. "I have been seeing someone," I acknowledged.
His only response was to lean back in his chair and wait for me to continue.
Wondering if I had made the correct decision in coming to him for help, I, once more, pushed back my apprehension. "What exactly is love? More specifically what does it feel like?"
Sighing, he stood and began the process of making tea. I waited patiently until he returned to the table and placed a cup before both of us, "Father?"
"You ask a tough question, one that cannot be simply answered by science," he answered before pausing to sip some of his warm beverage, "However, if you are here asking me, I feel you already know the answer."
"You mean that I am in love?"
Without answering, he leaned back in his chair once more and continued to sip his tea.
"Father?"
Closing his eyes, he replied simply, "What do you remember about your mother?"
A/N: Another short one. I have been working on an original (also vampire) fiction on fictionpress. Next chapter will be the date. It should be a long one. I will try to get it to you within a week. As always, leave feedback and tell me what you think.