Running

MALCOLM

"Take a look at how miserable you look. You can't even concentrate on your work," Michael complained, but I ignored him and kept downing the bottle of alcohol in front of me.

"Leilani and her daughter are just a few kilometres away from you. Yet you sit here all the time wallowing in self pity. What exactly is wrong with you? You chose to stay away from them, yet you beat yourself for it," Michael continued.

"Just let me be, Michael!" I screamed.

"Suit yourself, man," he yelled back and walked away slamming the door.

I banged my fist on the table and rose from my seat. I know my decision to leave Melinda and Leilani alone was impulsive and stupid. But there was nothing I could do. I felt like I shouldn't be next to them when I couldn't bring down Lucian. I failed as a father to Melinda and Leilani and I couldn't bear to look them in the eyes, knowing that they both still had scars they got from Lucian. Even though I was away from them, I never really left them my eyes were on