LiLiGen: SEVEN UP

   They're back home.

Raoul is staring - precisely, staring - at his children. At first he thought that those two would want him to hug them - Daddy, daddy - and they would cry together, and everything would be fine, because daddy's here, we've got nothing to fear, daddy'll make all scary monsters go away. But no, they will not break down, they're not kids anymore. Those two stood tall, like twin trees in storm. Let the lightning strike, let the rain fall, they won't falter, oh, they will not.
He'd actually asked them if they'd be okay, and they made it clear that they were fine, damn fine, if you ask me. Just a little beating...
You were bleeding.</i>
Just a few scratches...
From a knife. A switchblade, to be exact.
SCRATCHES...
Your ankle's sprained.
Nothing too serious, old man. This is life. OUR life, to be exact.
So stop pretending like you care.
Hey, you're my children, I have every right to -
DON'T.
But-
You stay outta our lives.
   He never knew how hateful his sons eyes could be.

That evening, despite his sons cruel statement, he decided to stay.
No Office right now. He wanted to be there for his daughter.

- Brother.
- Ya?
- What if I'd want to...
- ...
- Transfer away?
- ... Like where?
- Somewhere! It's so difficult here. Our bad reputation at school, the Gang, Father... This... I can't stand it! I just want to move away and start again, with a new name and personality. This place, these people, they're seriously starting to wear me down! I just...
- I'm going too.
- ...
- Wha? Thought ya could get rid of me like that? Oh nnnooo, missy, I'm not gonna let ya that easily!
- ... Plan failed.
- Hey!

He glares at the door before him, then sighs.
Guess they don't need me anymore.

The next morning he's away.
He sits in a chair in the Great Office, knowing that next time he opens the door to his home, there'll be no one.

TBC....