Starfania realized they couldn't see or hear her. Her gaze returned to her father, her chest heavy with emotions she couldn't untangle. He had yet to speak again, yet she sensed the weight of his thoughts pressing on him. Carefully, she inched closer, standing beside him–desperate for a sign, for something to make sense of what she was witnessing. But no matter how near she stood, he could not see her. Starfania could see the worry and anguish etched into his tired face, each line a testament to the weight he carried. Her heart sank. It was agonizing to witness his inner turmoil, the silent battle raging within him. She longed to reach out, to hold him close and whisper that everything would be okay.
But Starfania stood alone, unseen, as he began to speak. His voice, though muffled, carried unmistakable pain. And then, with a heavy heart, he uttered words that struck her to her core. " Why does this world treat me so cruelly? I have already endured the pain of losing my wife and son, and now you take my daughter from me too? "
Tears welled in Starfania's eyes, spilling over as she reached for his hand, her fingers trembling. She clasped it, desperate for him to feel her, to know she was still here. " No, Papa. I will never leave your side. I'm right here with you. "
But her touch was met with nothing. Her voice, unheard. Cesar was deaf and blind to Starfania's presence, lost in a grief she unknowingly deepened. A crushing weight settled over her as she realized the last word she left him. " I wish you were never my father. "
The memory of that moment crashed down on her like a relentless wave. She had been angry, reckless, speaking without thought–but the words had left their mark, and there was no taking back. No matter how much she wished she could. Guilt wrapped around her like a serpent. It coiled tighter with each passing second, suffocating her resolve. Starfania grappled with the truth: those words lingered like poison in the air. She thought back to their last conversation, the hurt in his eyes, the way he had looked away, as if trying to erase her from his mind. How did it come to this? The distance between them felt insurmountable now. She wanted to scream, to shake him from his stupor. Instead, she stood there, rooted in place, a silent prisoner of her own making.
Tears welled up, blurring her vision, but she wouldn't let them fall. Not now. The ache in her chest reminded her daily of the love they once shared, of the laughter that seemed so distant. She ached to reach out, to take back every word that had shattered their bond. If only she could speak with him again, she would pour out her heart, lay bare her regrets. But how could she ever bridge that chasm? She took a shaky breath, trying to quiet her thoughts. A small flicker of hope kindled within her. Maybe there was still a chance to mend things, to find a way back to each other. But first, she knew she had to confront her own turmoil, to forgive herself before seeking his forgiveness.
As Starfania stared down at her feet, lost in the storm of her thoughts, a firm hand grabbed her shoulder. Startled, she whirled around, her heart pounding, only to find Cantina standing behind her. Her voice trembled as she forced the words out. " Why was I brought here? "
Cantina's expression remained unreadable as she answered simply, " Reasons. "
The single word only deepened her confusion. A rush of emotions surged through her—frustration, unease, an overwhelming sense of helplessness. Her father's pain still lingered in Starfania's mind, searing into her heart like an open wound. She clenched her fists, her voice rising despite her effort. " Why did you bring me here to witness all of this? To teach me a lesson? I deserve to know! "
But Cantina didn't answer. She merely turned away, her posture impossibly graceful, and she began walking. Starfania fought the urge to follow, her feet rooted to the ground.