„W..what?! You can´t be serious!" Howl stammered. He really IS late... I searched for Markl´s parents after he sat in front of my door, 5 years ago, half frozen. But nobody even knew or recognized him, after three months I gave up and agreed with him staying in my castle. Calcifer also likes him. They were friends right from the beginning. And NOW his father wants to pick him up?! „I´m sorry Mister, but taking Markl with you is not a possibility. He now is part of my family. I was searching for you after I found him, however, after trying for a while I gave up. I can´t hand him out to a stranger after 5 years!" „Well, I at least want to see him !" , Markl´s father mumbled while pushing Howl aside. He ran to the stairs with huge steps and went upstairs to search for Markl, or rather for his room.
Howl was surprised by the man´s speed, but directly followed him. Who the hell does he think he is! This is a magic castle, I have to be careful.
Markl´s father reached a door with a sign with Markl´s name on it. He opened the door and ran into the room. Markl and Sophie were playing chess on the bed, but now looking to the man. Confusion was visible in their eyes. Sophie spotted the resemblance of Markl and the man, as she gazed at him. „Markl" , the man said. „After all these years I finally get to see you again!" He ran to Markl and kneeled down next to the bed. „Markl, do you recognize me?" Markl looked at him, his facial expression clearly explained that he did not recognize his father. „Who are you? And why are you here, talking to me?" Markl asked quitely."I am your father Markl!" He picked his son up and hugged him.
„Markl!" Howl shouted as he reached the room. He saw how Markl´s father hugged him. Sophie stood up and went to Howl. „Howl, what is happening here?" She asked quitely while looking up into his blue eyes. „This, Sophie, is Markl´s father and he wants to take Markl with him." Shock was visible on Sophie´s face now.