Mask

*slap*

He slapped her face so hard she can feel the heat on her cheek. She ran through her cheek with her fingers, feeling the warmth of the slap. Her eyes were on him, piercing through his. She stared as if he had crushed her pride that she value more than her life.

“Why are you acting like this? I’m your father!” He shouted at her while she stood still. 

“Don’t you have a little respect for me?” she was still staring at him and he started to feel irritated.

Her heart was beating very fast. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to control herself from exploding like a dead volcano coming back to life.

“Respect is earned and not a right for you as a father.” He was shocked. It was something his father had taught him before. The irritation that he felt became shame. All he wanted at that moment was to turn away from her stare that was piercing his heart.

“You've lost it 10 years ago when you broke your promise.” She said emotionlessly.

She wasn't protecting her pride, but her pride is protecting her broken heart.