Breaking Bonds - Part 3

"Now, now," Michael's voice was like a hot bath on a winter night. Warm and refreshing. "Don't cry, little Raphael."

Looking up from within his embrace, Raphael could see his gentle smile and beautiful golden eyes looking at her like a father looking at his baby daughter.

'No… what's with this look?' Raphael's heart was still beating widely and inconsistently. 'Why is he acting like this? There's no way this is the same Michael I know…

'Why does he sound so sincere? Something must be wrong!'

"Hm, are you feeling better now, little Raphael?" She could hear his soft voice again.

"Huh?" She realised that she had stopped crying, but she could not reply. Her heart was still beating as if she was a powerless human kid running from a deadly wild animal.

"Hm, it's alright. Take your time to calm down. I can still feel your heart beating like a rabbit that's trying to break its cage," he chuckled gracefully at his own analogy. But Raphael knew.