Dark Moon Rising

“Dark Moon Rising is off-limits!”

“What!?”

She asked still facing his rigid back.

His tone resembled an arctic wind when he snapped, “The topic is not open for discussion! It does not concern you!”

Bang! Her palms met with the wooden surface. “You always keep me in the dark!” she accused furiously and stormed towards the door.

Whirling he yelled, “I am not done, young lady!”

“Oh, I think we are!” She mimicked his arctic tone. Adding a little extra frost that said, ‘Back off’. Her hand turned the doorknob.

“Alex... Wait... Please.”

Hesitating. Just say no to him! “Is it that important?” Coward! she accused herself.

“Yes,” he admitted relieved.

Glancing over her shoulder, she blinked. Is that grey hair at his temples? Tired lines edged into his skin. Closing her eyes for a couple of seconds. “OK, I’ll behave tomorrow,” she promised. Now why did I just give up a perfect opportunity to have fun? Give them a good run for their money.

Huh? He could hardly believe his ears. Did she just agree? Would she follow the rules? Take an extra guard? He rejoiced to soon. “What about...?”

“Father!”

Their eyes met and locked in battle. Her lips pressed together. She had reached her limit of compromise, he realised.