Being Selfish

Before Matis could even ask, Arix decided to come clean on her own.

"Grandpa, I lied to Dad. I told him I had a way to save Phantom," she admitted, her voice heavy with worry and guilt.

Arix had lied to her dad, who cared so deeply for her. The thought of him finding out and possibly hating her weighed heavily on her mind.

Her eyelashes quivered with fear, and she trembled slightly, her shoulders shaking.

Matis stayed silent for a long moment. Then he gently patted Arix's head and said, "Don't worry. Even if your dad finds out the truth, he won't blame you. And thank you for trying, Arix."

Arix looked up at Matis in disbelief, her voice small. "Grandpa, he won't blame me? But I lied to him."

"What would he blame you for? For being too considerate? For caring about him too much?" Matis replied, his tone a bit rough. He ruffled her hair, his voice softening with concern. "Arix, you don't have to carry everything on your own. You're still young."