There was a moment of silence. Era still didn't speak. She just stroked Oscar's chest from time to time, hoping it would help ease his grief, even if only a little.

"From that day on, I often wondered. How painful was the grief Papa felt that he really couldn't hold on anymore?" Oscar closed his eyes and shook his head. "But now I won't ask anymore. I don't want my curiosity to push fate and bring about what I fear most."

Era's hand stopped moving on Oscar's chest. "Oscar."

"I'm not as strong as Papa, Era. You have to know that. I am really nothing compared to Papa. So, if...