I could see something in my father’s eyes I didn’t think I had seen before, and it worried me more than the fear of rejection and disappointment did. He looked scared. My father was never scared. I watched as my mother reached for his hand, that glazed cover over her eyes telling me they were sharing that personal conversation our mindlink allowed. Something was being said that they did not want to share with me. Secrets…
I could not tear my eyes away from them. I needed to know what was being said. I could sense their unease. Their uncertainty, and as I watched my father nod in the direction of my mother, acknowledging whatever she must have said to him, I awaited his words.
He turned his gaze to me. “Zaine, please, I want you to speak with me…” There was a tremble to his voice. He so
