"Um... What were you planning on doing today, child?" Samuel asked, trying to keep his voice steady as he stood in Matilda's pristine room.
"I was planning on delivering some foodstuffs and money to the orphanages all over the nation, and also investing in charity events," Matilda answered, a bright, innocent smile lighting her face.
"Oh, Uncle... The smiles on their faces. It's something you can never forget. I will keep doing this to see those smiles," she said, radiating genuine warmth.
Samuel held back his tears. 'How I wish I could take you away from this family. But there is no way we can hide without being discovered. Going to the King will get your family executed, and you can never live with that guilt.' He exhaled silently, forcing himself to commit the betrayal. He placed his trembling hand on Matilda's head.
"I will miss you, child." he whispered, a final, futile gesture of affection.
