ALAN“Oh my God.” Reina gets off the bed and rushes to pick up the pieces of the broken artwork. I get off the bed as well, seeing that Ethan’s eyes have now zeroed in on the pieces of cotton wool around us.“Dad, that’s blood.” He says calmly. I know Ethan is squeamish, but I also know he’ll try to hide that fear from me. Try to be a big boy.“Yes, it is.” I answer him. “I got injured at work. Reina was helping me clean up.”“She was also hugging you.” His tone is accusatory, and Reina beats me to a reply,“Yes. I was. But I was only trying to comfort him.”Ethan doesn’t ask any other question, watching the ruined artwork in her hands instead.“I wanted to show you that, I’m sorry I dropped it. It was a picture of you I painted. It’s not perfect, but I think I got your eyes.” He smiles bitterly. Reina slips her hand under his cheek.“No, no, don’t be sorry, E. This can still be restored.” Reina tries to piece a few parts together as she speaks. In truth, it’s going to be a tough one…
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