"Papa? Papa?" I tug on Papa's pant leg, holding Papa Corn, my stuffed frog. I want to show Father I have a loose tooth.
Papa glares down at me, his eyes full of revulsion. "Adrien, unless you have the Ladybug and Cat Noir Miraculous, I don't wish to speak with you!"
A wave of shock curls over my system. Papa's never spoken to me like that. But then one tear comes, followed by another larger one. Mother hurries towards me, scooping me up in her arms.
"Gabriel! It's not his fault he misses you on your travels, and you know I've accepted my fate!" I bury my face in Mother's shoulder, smelling like cinnamon and vanilla.
Mother holds me close as we sit down on my bed. "He should never talk to you like that, Adrien. Though I know he's weary from his travels, though that's no excuse." I sniffle. "What's a Mira-cul-ous?" I ask, saying the big word slowly. "Jewels, that will help me get well. Like medicine." I stick out my tongue. "But medicine is yucky!"
Mother laughs, ruffling my hair. "Yes, I think it's yucky too, Adrien." "What did you mean, you accepted your fate?" "You'll know soon enough, my child. But know this, Adrien. You will grow up kind and strong, but I don't mean in just physical strength. Mental strength too, and you will love passionately."
"Mother? Will I be like Cat Noir?" "Yes, a charm-meowing Cat Noir at that. Now, let's play."
Father has gone into a world I cannot follow, nor can I make my mother better. But I can love and hug, and that is enough for now.