Chapter 7: Parakarry's Promise to Pops.
The next morning, Parakarry woke up early to bake muffins. He picked up a pair of oven mitts and placed the pan on the stove for them to cool. As Parakara groggily stumbled into the kitchen, she was greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked muffins.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," Parakarry said with a warm smile. "I made blueberry muffins for breakfast. Your mom said they're your favorite."
Parakara's eyes brightened, and she eagerly reached for a muffin. The sweet taste of the warm, fluffy pastry instantly brought a smile to her face. She felt a surge of gratitude towards her uncle, realizing how much he cared for her.
After breakfast, they headed to the park. Parakara held onto Sugar's leash tightly as they strolled through the vibrant greenery. The park was filled with laughter and the sound of children playing, bringing a sense of joy to both Parakara and Parakarry. Parakarry brought Parakara to the park to help her learn something.
"Parakara. Stand up on this bench." He said. Parakara does what her uncle told her and stood on it.
"Good. Now turn and have your shell face me." Parakara turns around like he said.
"Excellent. Now fall backwards. Don't flap your wings."
"Why?"
"I want you to learn something. Now fall backwards." Parakara slowly leaned back but instinctively flapped her wings.
"Don't flap your wings Kara. Try again." Parakarry said, Parakara tries falling backwards again, but flapped her wings the second time.
"Kara. Don't flap." Parakarry repeats, Parakara tries again but still catches herself from falling.
"Kara. What are you afraid of?" Parakarry asked.
"Falling."
"Do you think I'm going to let you hurt yourself?"
"No."
"Then don't flap your wings. Relax." Parakarry coaxed, Parakara took a deep breath and fell backwards. She felt her uncle catching her.
"Good. Now do it again." Parakarry instructed, Parakara got back on the bench and fell back again a little more confidently this time. She felt her uncle catch her the second time.
"Great. Now one more time. This time close your eyes and don't hesitate falling backwards at all." Parakara listens and does what her uncle says. The third time she felt herself getting caught by Parakarry. She opened her eyes seeing him smile at her, his face radiating with pride and love.
"What was the point in this?" She asked.
"I want you to learn to trust." Parakarry said.
"I don't want to learn trust."
"Why?"
"Trusting others leads to disappointment."
"Why?" Parakarry asks again.
"People always hurt you."
"Not true. Am I hurting you?"
"No…"
"So people don't always hurt you."
"But if you never trust people. You'll never be hurt."
"But you'll never be happy. Trust leads you to happiness. You're just not happy right now." Parakarry said. Parakara thinks about what he said and the whole situation. "When I find someone who really makes me happy." Parakarry smiles as he places his hands on Parakara's cheeks. "Someone who makes me want to cry, smile, laugh, fret, and laugh some more. Then I can forget about everything else."
"Do you have someone like that?" Parakara asked.
"Yes. It's you, silly!"
"I meant someone else."
"What do you mean?"
"You know." Parakara said, her voice filled with curiosity. Parakarry's cheeks flushed a rosy shade of pink as he thought about his feelings for Bow. Memories of the nights they spent together and the kisses they shared flooded his mind, causing his heart to race. He realized that those moments must have meant something, especially when Bow called him cute.
However, doubts began to creep into Parakarry's mind. They hadn't officially been on a date, he wondered if their dance together counted. And then there was the letter from Bootler that he had failed to deliver. Parakarry had planned to give him the letter and use it as an opportunity to ask Bow out on a proper date. But his nerves got the best of him, leaving him with regret.
Parakarry knew deep down that he loved Bow, but he questioned why she loved him in return. If she did, that is. Parakarry longed for a deeper connection with Bow. He hoped that Bootler's letter wasn't one of the ones he had lost, fearing that he lost a chance to ask out Bow. Lost in his thoughts, Parakarry couldn't help but wonder about the future of his relationship with Bow. Would they ever go on a real date? Would he gather the courage to express his love for her? And most importantly, why would Bow reciprocate his feelings? As these questions swirled in his mind, Parakarry couldn't deny the flutter of hope that ignited within him.
"I don't." He finally said.
"Why?"
"Because...my job makes it hard for me to have a girlfriend."
"Do you want one?"
"Why are you asking me this, Kara?"
"Just curious." Parakara said. She notices that her uncle is now blushing a bright red. He decides to change the subject.
"Follow me." Parakarry said. He took her hand and led her away from the benches and floated down a pathway. As they floated down the pathway they arrived at a hidden clearing surrounded by colorful flowers. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blossoms, creating a serene atmosphere.
Parakarry let go of Parakara's hand and turned to face her, his blush still lingering on his cheeks. "Parakara, I want to share something with you that I've kept hidden for a long time," he confessed.
Parakara tilted her head, her strawberry blonde hair cascading over her shoulder. "What is it, Uncle Parakarry?"
Taking a deep breath, Parakarry reached into his mail bag and pulled out a worn-out sketchbook. The pages were filled with intricate drawings, each page depicted scenes of nature, capturing the essence of the park they were sitting in.
"These are beautiful Uncle Parakarry." Parakara exclaimed, her voice filled with admiration. "I didn't know you draw."
Parakarry chuckled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "Well, it's been my little secret for a while. I wanted to share it with you because...you've been going through a tough time, Parakara, and I thought these sketches might help brighten your spirits."
Parakara hugged the sketchbook tightly against her chest, a wide smile forming on her lips. "Can I keep it, Uncle?"
Parakarry beamed at his niece's enthusiasm. "Of course, Parakara! It's yours to keep." he replied warmly, his voice filled with pride. He was happy knowing that his hidden talent brought happiness to his troubled niece.
Parakara's eyes sparkled with delight as she looks through the worn-out sketchbook. The beautiful drawings of flowers within the pages vibrant colors and intricate details, capturing the essence of different flowers. The delicate petals of roses danced across the paper, while the daisies seemed to sway in an invisible breeze. Parakara couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and awe at her uncle's skillful portrayal of nature's beauty. She gently closes the book.
"What's on your mind Parakara?" Parakarry asked.
"What do you mean?"
"What's troubling you?"
"A lot of things."
"What kind of things?" He asks.
"My dad." Parakara says.
"How does he hurt you?" Parakarry
asked. Parakara stared at her uncle, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and hesitation. She took a deep breath, trying to gather her thoughts before finally speaking.
"He hurts me with his words," Parakara admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "He constantly puts me down, calling me names and making me feel small. It's like he enjoys seeing me suffer."
Parakarry's heart sank at his niece's words. He had always suspected that Parakara's relationship with her father was strained, but hearing the pain in her voice confirmed his worst fears.
"I'm so sorry you have to go through that, Parakara." Parakarry said, his voice filled with genuine concern. "No one deserves to be treated that way, especially not by their own parent. Is there anything else you want to share?"
"One time he grabbed me on the arm...my mom justified it by saying that he didn't really mean to do that..." Parakara said, looking ahead at a patch flowers. Talking about her dad bothered her a little. Parakarry paused for a moment, taking in the weight of Parakara's words. He understood that talking about her dad was difficult for her, but he also knew that addressing these painful experiences was necessary for healing.
Gently placing a hand on Parakara's shoulder, Parakarry spoke softly, "Parakara, I can see that talking about your dad is difficult for you, and I understand. But it's important for us to acknowledge and process these painful experiences. It's not your fault, and you deserve to be heard."
Parakara looked up at her uncle, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and longing for understanding. She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts, and began to open up.
"It's mainly the emotional abuse. The constant name-calling, putting me down, and yelling at me. It made me feel worthless, like I could never do anything right. My mom rarely defended me because she didn't want to get caught up in it. One time my dad hit me and all my mom would ask me is, "Are you sure the kids at school did not hit you?"" Parakara confessed, her voice quivering with emotion. Parakarry listened attentively to Parakara's heartbreaking confession, his heart sinking with every word. He could see the pain etched on his niece's face and hear the tremor in her voice. It was clear that Parakara had endured not only physical abuse but also the emotional torment of being constantly belittled and yelled at. He couldn't fathom how someone could treat their own child with such cruelty. He spoke softly, "Parakara, I am so sorry that you had to experience such cruelty and neglect. No child should ever have to endure such pain. You are strong, and you are deserving of love and respect. Your feelings are valid, and you are not alone. I'm here for you, and I'll support you every step of the way."
Parakara looked up at her uncle, tears streaming down her face. Parakarry wipes her tears with his hands. "I believe in you, Parakara." Parakarry continued, his voice unwavering. "You are talented, intelligent, and deserving of a life filled with love and happiness. Your experiences do not define you, but they have shaped you into the remarkable person you are today."
Parakara smiled trying to keep herself from crying more. She was finally able to ask, "Uncle, why is dad mean?"
Parakarry took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the past pressing on his chest. He knew that being honest with Parakara was important, even if it meant reliving painful memories.
"Sometimes, Parakara." He began, his voice filled with a mixture of sadness, "families can have conflicts that escalate into fights. Your dad and I, we had our differences, and it got to the point where we couldn't see eye to eye anymore." Parakara listened intently, while her uncle spoke. "We fought a lot, and it wasn't just with words. There were times when it turned physical." Parakarry continued, his voice wavering slightly. "But fighting never solves anything, Parakara. It only leaves behind scars, both visible and invisible."
Parakara's heart sank as she processed her uncle's words. The idea of her gentle and kind uncle being involved in such violence was difficult for her to comprehend. She reached out and hugs him. Parakarry hugged her back. "What made you fall apart?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, but the words hung heavy in the air. Parakarry's gaze softened as he looked into his niece's eyes, understanding the pain behind her question.
"Your father used to tease me for not being able to fly yet. When my full set of flight feathers came in and was able to fly. He decided to clip them one day. He didn't like being wrong."
"What happened when he did that?"
"Your grandfather grounded him and clipped his wings. It didn't do much though. He ran away for a bit."
"Why?"
"I don't know. Probably to burn off his anger somehow."
"How long was he gone?"
"Can't remember. But it was long. My flight feathers came back before he did." Parakarry replied. His tone was monotone. He was still upset about it, even now.
"Where did he go?"
"No clue. Probably was with a friend, or with one of his girlfriends."
"What happened when he finally came back?" Parakara asked.
"He didn't stay long."
"Why?"
"I was about six when it happened..."
In Flower Fields a young reptilian boy was standing behind the doorway to his room.
"I warned you about bringing girls over at night! I even told you to stop! Now you got one gravid! What are you going about it!?" An adult paratroopa yelled at his teenage son.
"I'll pay for the abortion. Is that what you want to hear?" The teenager said to his dad.
"I spoke with Kamala's mother Karter! She's planning on keeping it!"
"Then how is it my problem!?"
"Stars sake Parakarter! Because it's yours! You're going to have to find a way to support it!" Parapalmer yelled.
"Fine! I'll join Koopa Troop or something!"
"You join Bower's army, and you're never allowed to set foot here again! I should have kicked you out when you clipped your brother's wings!"
"What's the big deal!? They would've grew back anyway!"
"Get your amp out now Karter! I don't know what made you so callous; whatever I did to you I'm sorry, but you're clearly not the person I raised. If your mother was still here she would be so heartbroken."
"And mom's not here isn't she?"
"OUT! NOW!" Parapalmer yelled, Parakarter rolled his eyes and left slamming the door. The young paratroopa boy slowly came out of his room and to his dad who had his face buried in his hands.
"Pops?" The boy asked, Parapalmer quickly turned around and saw his young son.
"Oh, Parakarry. I didn't see you there...you heard everything did you? I'm sorry. I really do wonder where I messed up with your brother. But I can't think what."
"I think you're a good pop."
"You do?"
"I do! And I want be a mailman just like you!" He said. Parapalmer picked up Parakarry and hugged him.
"That means a lot to me son."
"Don't worry Pops, I will be the best mailman ever!" He said smiling. Parapalmer ruffled the hair on the boy's head.
"Good. Good!"
"Brother isn't coming back is he?" Parakarry asked scared, Parapalmer sighed.
"If he's going to join Koopa Troop I highly doubt it son. Don't worry, he's not going to hurt you anymore. Maybe he'll change when his child is born."
"I hope so. I love him, pops."
"I love him too."
Parakara was speechless after hearing her uncle's story. Her mind racing with new information about her parents. So that was why her parents chose Petalburg over Flower Fields. The revelation that her mother had lied about the circumstances of her brother's conception left her feeling betrayed and confused. She couldn't understand why her mother would hide the truth from her.
"Yes. Your dad and grandfather never spoken to each other since that day." Parakarry said.
"Do you love dad?"
"Not anymore Kara."
As she processed everything, Parakara mustered the courage to ask, "Uncle Parakarry, why do you think mom lied to me? Why didn't she tell me the truth about my brother?"
Parakarry sighed, trying to think of the best answer. "Kara, your mother loved you more than anything in this world. She always wanted to protect you, shield you from the pain and hardships. Perhaps she thought that by hiding the truth, she was keeping you safe."
"But lying to me, Uncle? How is that keeping me safe?" Parakara's voice trembled with a mix of anger and hurt.
Parakarry reached out and gently placed a hand on Parakara's shoulder. "Sometimes, people make mistakes, even the ones we love. Your mother was scared, and she made a choice that she thought was best at the time. It doesn't excuse her actions, but it might help you understand why she did what she did."
Parakara nodded slowly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Uncle, what was mom like before all this? Before she changed?"
A soft smile tugged at the corners of Parakarry's lips as he reminisced about happier times. "Your mother was like a ray of sunshine, Kara. She was as sweet as the berries that grew in Flower Fields. She had a warmth and kindness that could brighten up any room. She loved to laugh, joke around, and spread joy wherever she went. And she had the most beautiful smile I've ever seen. Her hair used to be long like yours." He paused for a moment, lost in memories. "When your dad brought her over, we would spend hours baking together. She loved to make sweet bread and cookies, and we would have so much fun in the kitchen, flour flying everywhere."
Parakara imagined her mother's smile and the scent of freshly baked goods filling the air. She couldn't see her mom being like that now. "I wish I could have seen her like that, Uncle."
Parakarry squeezed her shoulder gently. "I know, Kara. I wish things could have been different too. But remember, the past doesn't define us. You have your own path to forge, and your mother would want nothing more than to see you happy and fulfilled."
"What was grandmother like, Uncle?"
Parakarry's eyes lit up with fond memories as he spoke about his mother. "She was not only beautiful on the outside but had a heart that radiated with kindness," he said, a smile gracing his face. "Her voice was like the sweet melodies of birds, bringing comfort and joy to anyone who heard it. She had a unique gift of spreading happiness wherever she went. It was as if she carried a pocketful of smiles, ready to share them with anyone in need. She truly was an angel, an embodiment of love and compassion."
Parakara listened intently, captivated by her uncle's words. She could almost hear her grandmother's melodic voice in her imagination. "Uncle, did she have any special talents or hobbies?" she asked, curious to learn more about the woman she had never met.
Parakarry's eyes sparkled with pride as he continued, "Oh, she had many talents, my dear. Aside from her beautiful voice, she had a knack for painting. Her strokes on the canvas were like whispers of color, creating breathtaking masterpieces. She also had a deep love for nature and animals. She would spend hours in the garden, tending to the flowers, nurturing them with her tender touch."
Parakara's heart swelled with admiration and curiosity. "I wish I could have known her, Uncle. It sounds like she was truly remarkable," she whispered, a hint of longing in her voice.
Parakarry reached out and gently held his niece's hand. "She would have loved you so much, Kara. She would have been your biggest cheerleader, supporting you in all your endeavors. But remember, her spirit lives on within you. You carry her love and her talents within your heart."
"What happened to her? Was she hurt?" Parakara asked, her Parakarry.
Parakarry sighed, a somber expression on his face. "No, she wasn't hurt, Kara," he said softly, his voice tinged with sadness. "She was just really ill."
Parakara's eyes widened, her heart sinking at the news. "How did she get so sick?" she questioned, her mind racing with worry.
Parakarry took a moment to gather his thoughts before answering. "It was a long battle, my dear," he began, his voice heavy with emotion. "Your grandmother was diagnosed with a rare and severe illness. It started with frequent fatigue and weakness, and gradually progressed to more severe symptoms. Despite the best efforts of doctors and healers, her condition deteriorated." Parakara nods, not saying anything else. "How about some ice cream?" Parakarry asked to break the silence.
"Ice cream?" Parakara questioned.
"Yeah. I thought it might lift the mood a little." Parakarry says, Parakara nodded as a "yes". Parakarry took her to get ice cream. "What flavor do you want?"
"Strawberry." Parakara answered her uncle, Parakarry paid a strawberry ice cream for her and a vanilla ice cream for himself. They sit down on a bench to eat their ice creams. Parakara looked around. "Where's Sugar?" She asked; Parakarry looked around and the two saw Sugar chasing a butterfly. Parakarry chuckles at the sight.
"Looks like he likes butterflies." He said.
"He has good taste." Parakara said. After they finished eating their ice creams. Parakarry takes out his phone and snaps a picture; while Parakara watches her uncle. After a minute or two Parakarry decided to speak.
"They're pretty aren't they? I used to chase them all around with your grandmother."
"Then what would happen after?" Parakara asked.
"Then she would pin me down and tickle me. Then kiss me all over my face." Parakarry replied as he does to Parakara making her laugh. He gets off of her a few seconds later.
"Uncle?"
"Yes?"
"You said dad had girlfriends?"
"Yeah, your father wasn't dating just your mother. One day I saw her fighting some lakitu. It was both eery and surreal. One was hitting the other with magic, while the other was hitting with spinies, and calling each other "boyfriend stealer"." Parakarry said.
"Why did mom marry dad?" She then asked him.
"No idea Kara." Parakarry replied, "Ready to see your grandfather?"
"I'm ready." Parakara said before calling Sugar over.
"Sugar will have to stay home though. I don't know how your grandfather feels about chain chomps." Parakarry said.
"Okay uncle." Parakara picks him up.
Over at Flower Fields Parapalmer was at home reading a book. He wondered if his granddaughter ever told his son to come see him. He hasn't seen her or Parakarry for some time. He hoped she remembered. He needed to talk to Parakarry about something. He placed the book down when he heard a knock. Parapalmer got up from his chair and walked over to the front door.
"Who's at the door?" Parapalmer asked.
"Parakarry and Parakara." Parakarry answered. Parapalmer opens the door.
"Hello, son." Parapalmer said hugging Parakarry tightly.
"Hi Pops."
"Come on inside son, I think we need to catch up." Parapalmer said taking Parakarry over to the living room. "Have you two had dinner yet?"
"I was planning on making dinner when we go back home. We just had ice cream." Parakarry answered.
"Alright then." Parapalmer looks at Kara. "Kara. have you visited your friend lately? What was her name again? Lily?" Parakara realized she hasn't seen her since she first came to Flower Fields. She has been wanting to visit her each day after school, but never started doing that.
"I haven't..." She said sheepishly.
"Why don't you talk to Lily for a bit?" Parapalmer suggested.
"I wanted to see you again..." She said, Parapalmer smiled.
"That's sweet of you. But I need to talk to your uncle about something." He said, Parakara nodded and leaves the house. When she was out of earshot Parapalmer sighed.
"You needed to talk to me in private?" Parakarry asked.
"I did. How long is Kara staying with you?" He asked.
"Until Kamala is able to find her own place. Not sure how long that is going to take." Parakarry answered.
"Get custody of her." Parapalmer said.
"Why?"
"Because Kara needs someone who loves her unconditionally."
"Her mother does love her."
"And not someone who is wishy washy either. All it's going to take is an "I'm sorry Kamala, I love you." from Karter and it's back to square one."
"She doesn't love her husband anymore, pops." Parakarry said to him.
"Maybe she doesn't. But Kamala is way too forgiving Karry. She wouldn't be able to stay away from Karter even if she tried. I don't doubt for a second that she loves her children far more than anything. But Kara needs a better role model. She needs someone who knows there's a fine line between being kind and just being a doormat." Parakarry was quiet thinking about what he said. Maybe his dad is right. Perhaps Kamala is too kind for hers and Parakara's own good. After all, she still stayed married to Parakarter even after that whole housing fiasco in Poshley Heights. Parakarry sat in silence, contemplating his father's words. The weight of his responsibility as Kara's uncle felt heavier than ever before. He loved his niece dearly and wanted nothing more than to protect her from the tumultuous environment she had grown up in.
"You might be right Pops...but every time Kamala calls me she sounds really fed up with Karter."
"It doesn't mean anything Karry. If she didn't leave him for losing the house in Poshley Heights, she's never going to leave him no matter what he does. If she does, it's going to be short lived." Parapalmer said, Parakarry knew that his father was right. "If you don't mind me asking, how did you get Kara up here?" He asked.
"It was easier than I thought it would be. I was tired of Kamala calling me all the time, so I decided to get my attic remodeled into a bedroom. I called her to tell her I started remodeling the attic. She didn't agree with me doing it. She kept trying to tell me to call off the project; because she was planning on moving in with one of her sisters. I simply told her that I can do what I want with my own house. Then she told me even if the bedroom was done, she didn't want to send Kara there because the Mushroom Kingdom is too far. So I enrolled her in Mushroom Kingdom High. I told her that I already enrolled her in school, and if she misses enough days; the school was going to look into why she hasn't shown up yet, and will probably start prying into her home life. She gave in and sent Kara up here. She didn't like it though." Parakarry explained. Parapalmer was silent as he listened to his son. "I told her whenever she was able to move away from Karter I would let Kara go back home."
"She is home Parakarry." Parapalmer said, Parakarry looked at his father shocked. "Tell Kamala that you changed your mind."
"Pops..." Parakarry said in slight disbelief.
"I mean it Karry. Tell her you have reconsidered your decision. You don't have to explain why. Just tell her that you did." Parapalmer advised.
"But I can't do that pop...I feel terrible for hurting her."
"Parakarry. The moment Kamala said "I do", she made her choice, Parakara didn't. I won't be around long Parakarry; and I just want to know that Kara is being raised properly before I'm gone..."
"Pop..."
"Please Karry. I'm begging you. Get custody of Kara." Parapalmer pleads, Parakarry sighed and rubbed his temples. His father was not wrong and he knew that. But part of him really wanted to believe that Kamala will finally put her foot down. At the same time it wasn't worth putting Parakara at risk like that.
"I promise pop." Parakarry said he wasn't sure how he was going to keep that promise, but he made it. So he was going to do everything he can to follow through with it. Parapalmer hugged his son.
"Thank you son."
"You're welcome." They stayed standing in the living room hugging. When their hug broke, Parapalmer looked at Parakarry. "This will be great for you too. Sooner or later you're going to get attached to Kara."
"I'm already attached to her pop." Parakarry said, Parapalmer chuckled at Parakarry's response.
"Good to hear." He said "Now if I may ask you something."
"Go ahead."
"Why aren't you married yet?" He asked. Parakarry blushed terribly.
"Really Pop?"
"I'm just asking. If someone like your brother was able to get married, there should be no reason that you shouldn't be."
"Didn't you just say that Kamala is a doormat?" Parakarry countered, Parapalmer chuckled.
"Yes, yes; and yes she is. Now back to the question. Why haven't you gotten married yet?"
"Well I guess I just never found the right person..."
"You have no one special in your life?"
"I..." Parakarry looked nervous.
"I know that look. You have found someone! Who is she?" Parapalmer said.
"That's the problem pops...I haven't really told her how I felt..."
"And you expect her to wait for you forever?"
"Well technically she can..." Parakarry thought. "I don't. I'm afraid to tell her because...I never been in love before."
"Is she pretty?"
"Very."
"What about her voice?"
"It's lovely."
"Has she ever acted out?"
"Not on purpose. She bold and determined. If there's something she wants, she'll do whatever it takes to get it. She captured a Star Spirit to get Mario to fight Tubba Blubba so she could save her people from him."
"Wait...is this the ghost lady you told me about? Parakarry, what is holding you back?"
"I'm just an ordinary guy and well...she's basically a princess." Parakarry said, Parapalmer smiled.
"You know Karry...your mother was not from Flower Fields." He said.
"She wasn't?"
"Nope. She came from a wealthy family in Toad Town. Her family was very influential. They ran a flower arrangement company. Nearly everyday, they had a bouquet for me to deliver to one of their clients."
"Wow..." Parakarry said.
"And from what I've heard, her parents are very strict. I think they even forbid their daughter to speak to a man unless she had to." Parapalmer laughed as he remembered.
"Then why did you talk to her?" Parakarry asked.
"Because I was in love with her Karry. She was beautiful, and had a heart of gold. I fell head over heels in love with her instantly when we first met."
"That makes sense..." Parakarry said, "Do you still think about her?"
"Karry. Parakerria was my world. The moment I saw her, I knew she was my true love." Parapalmer explained. Parakarry smiled softly. "So son, do you understand now?"
"Understand what?"
"Do you see how happy she makes you? How good she makes you feel? Do you see how much she means to you?" Parapalmer asked, Parakarry nodded. "Then tell her how you feel my son." He said as he placed a hand on Parakarry's shoulder. "I believe she feels the same about you." Parakarry smiled, grateful for his father's words. "Thank you, Pop. I needed to hear that."
"You're welcome, son. Now, let's focus on the present. Take care of Parakara and be the best uncle you can be. Love will find you when the time is right."
Parakarry nodded then headed towards the door. Parapalmer watched his son leave. He knew there were going to be some hard times up ahead. Things were about to get complicated, and he was going to be there to help his son through it. But for once things seemed like they could work out for the best. He did have faith in his son...after all, Parakarry had grown up to be a better man than his oldest son. He could trust that his son has what it took to keep his granddaughter safe. All he could hope for now was that Parakarter never finds out about any of this. But he knew chances of that were going to be pretty slim.