Author Note: Maybe this story will start updating consistently again, I don't know. It really depends on me finding inspiration for each chapter.

Theme 24: Not There

The house was freezing. Riza did her best to insulate it for the harsh winters, but the bitter chill always managed to sneak its way inside. The little money she made working part time was never enough to buy both food and firewood, so the large house went without heat.

Her father was no help; he hid down in his basement workshop all day and night, only emerging when driven to extreme hunger. Riza usually brought meals down to him, so this didn't happen often. Even when he emerged he didn't stay out for long.

Ever since Roy left the older man had sunk into his research. He worked frantically on some kind of array, which Riza was barely able to catch a glimpse of. She mostly left him to his work, watching silently from the stairwell.

For the first few weeks after Roy left, Riza caught herself making three portions of a meal multiple times. More than once she set three places at the table before putting two away, and then putting them back on the table. Empty plates and silverware were still better company than eating alone. She told herself that each day, ignoring the small drops of water dripping down her cheeks.

After a few months Riza had enough. Even though Roy was long gone her father was still here. She knocked on the door to his study, not waiting for a response before descending.

"Father." Riza made it to the bottom of the steps, pausing in the doorway. Warmth radiated out of the room, washing over her as she entered the space. Her father sat hunched over his desk, quill frantically scribbling over parchment. He seemed to have aged ten years since Roy's departure.

"No that won't do." He muttered, scratching something out. "Someone's sure to find it there."

"Father." Riza spoke a bit louder, approaching him slowly. "How are you feeling today?"

"Hmm?" He raised his head like someone coming up for air and turned wide eyes toward his daughter. "Riza." He said her name as if hearing it for the first time. "Riza, that might work." He stood and spun toward her abruptly, face lit up with manic glee. "My daughter, would you like to help me with my research?"

She couldn't have possibly hoped for more.

"I would like that very much."

End Note: Now I've made myself sad.