He Chose Faith. I Chose Freedom
I pouted and said playfully, "I know that I'm your most precious treasure, Dad! As long as you're around, no one can ever force me to do something I don't want to do."
Dad laughed at that and seemed to find Theodore more pleasing to the eye.
He said, "Alright. Get up. You're not like your brother. I trust your character, and I believe you won't let Eve suffer. But don't misunderstand, I won't compromise one bit on what happened today."
His tone hardened at the end and carried a faint edge.
Theodore said solemnly, "You have my word. I'll give you a satisfactory response."
Then, Theodore looked at me reluctantly, as if asking me to wait for him before he left.