ONE WORD:
SORRY.
XV
Broken Smile
"You really have to go?"
He ruffled her hair, the action which she most appreciated, and looked at her with mellowing eyes.
"I do, young lady. I don't know how long it'll take, but you know the professor: always straight to the point," he said, smiling briefly. But she was not convinced; that much was clear. "Hazel…"
"First mom and pa, and now you."
"But I'll be back! I promise I will; don't you doubt that!"
Those bits of consolation he offered seemed to do some good, for Hazel smiled with glimmering eyes. When would he see them again? When would he return?
"I trust you, Danny. Now you go have a grand time. I'll be waiting here, like I always do."
He pulled her into a strong, energetic embrace, knowing that, perhaps, he wouldn't see her in a long time. For a moment, his smile faltered, but Hazel didn't see it.
It was time to face his destiny.
But not to face it with a broken smile.
A/N: Back from the temporary hold. I promise next update will be longer: I've gotten back into my groove.