"This time, I hope you won't hide anything from Grandpa..."
"...and won't lie to Grandpa, either."
Old Master Tang looked grave.
The child instinctively sat up straight.
She nodded.
"Tangtang."
Old Master Tang took a deep breath.
"These past few days..."
"Has there been an unwelcome guest in your room?"
The child's eyes flew wide open.
"Did it threaten you?"
Old Master Tang continued, "Did it make you do things for it?"
The child's eyes widened even further.
Old Master Tang understood.
He was furious. "Why didn't you tell Grandpa?!"
"I've asked you so many times?!"
"You silly girl!"
The child was stunned by the scolding.
Her eyes instantly reddened.
Then, large tears rolled down her cheeks.
Old Master Tang's expression stiffened.
He was a little flustered.
He hadn't meant to blame the child.
Let alone yell at her.
He was just...
So frustrated.
Not with the child.
He was frustrated with himself.
His child had suffered right under his nose. He'd clearly noticed something was wrong, yet he'd been powerless to help.
He couldn't do anything.
He was so angry with himself.
"Tangtang..."
Old Master Tang was at a loss.
"Don't cry."
"Grandpa doesn't blame you."
"Grandpa isn't scolding you..."
"Grandpa..."
"Is blaming himself."
"That's right."
Old Master Tang smacked his own hand.
"Grandpa thinks he's useless."
"Tangtang was hurt right here at home..."
"And Grandpa didn't even know..."
Old Master Tang smacked his own hand again.
Home was supposed to be a safe harbor.
When even home wasn't safe, how despairing must a person feel?
"Grandpa!"
The child grabbed the old man's hand.
"Why are you hitting yourself?"
"It hurts."
"Mm."
Old Master Tang clasped the child's hand in return.
"It does hurt a little."
"But not