Arthur did not answer Malinda's question directly.
Instead, he took two quick steps forward.
As he walked, he said-
"If I were being hypocritical, I'd pretend to be magnanimous and say, I'll let you go this time, but remember my face. The next time we meet, I won't show you any mercy.
Then I'd turn and leave.
Then I'd suddenly look back.
Heh heh heh, kid, we meet again!"
As Arthur spoke, he spun around and gave Malinda a sinister cackle.
Malinda immediately rolled her eyes.
"Childish!"
That was the lady's verdict.
"Doesn't that count as hypocrisy?
Do you really need me to add, I can live with guilt for the rest of my life, but I can't spend the rest of my life in fear?
Isn't that a little unnecessary?
I might as well say, back then, I hid much better than you did. That's why I survived."
Arthur spread his hands, looking helpless.
"That's no good either.
If it were me, I'd assume a new identity and adopt the child. As his father, I'd give him love and care, patiently teach him all sorts of things, and make sure he had a childhood sweetheart and kind neighbors. Then, when he came of age, an overwhelmingly powerful 'enemy' would kill me and abduct his childhood sweetheart. The kind neighbors would have their entire family slaughtered for trying to warn him, too.
He'd avenge me.
And that's what I'd most like to see."
Malinda spoke earnestly.
"That takes too long, and there are too many variables.
Besides, people are complicated.
You never know how frightening the power of habit can be.
Just as you never know how frightening the power of emotion can be.
Of course, you've overlooked one more thing."
Arthur shook his head in disagreement.
"What?"
Malinda grew