After a few days, Nix stood at the window, staring at the morning sky. His heart felt heavy, but clear. He knew what he had to do.
He walked into the kitchen where Kaori was making tea. "Kaori," he said softly. "I think... I'm ready to see my dad."
Kaori looked at Nix. She could see the sadness in his eyes and grew worried.
"Sure, Nix. I'll take you."
As they were about to leave, Aqua and Lina asked, "Where are you going?"
Kaori replied, "Don't worry about it. When Nix is ready, I'm sure he'll tell you. Just give him some space."
Aqua wondered if his distant behavior had to do with her confession about having a boyfriend.
"Good luck, Nix. We'll be waiting for you," Aqua said softly.
Nix didn't show any expression. "Thanks."
Kaori noticed something was off between them but didn't ask. "Let's get going, Nix."
They got in the car and began driving.
---
"So Nix," Kaori said, "I've got a few questions I want to ask you."
Nix looked at her, wondering if she knew about his abilities.
"What questions?"
Kaori grinned. "Do you have a crush on Aqua?"
Nix blushed and didn't answer.
Kaori laughed. "Well, that answers that!"
"But it doesn't matter," Nix said quietly.
"Why not?" she asked, surprised.
"She has a boyfriend," Nix muttered.
Kaori smiled kindly. "Don't worry about that right now. You've been through a lot, and you're still young. There's a whole future ahead. Who knows—something might spark. But don't let it stop you from exploring other possibilities. Like my dad used to say: plenty of fish in the sea."
"I've never even had a crush before," Nix admitted.
"You don't have to worry about that right now. Just focus on your studies—you're a bright kid," Kaori said warmly.
Nix smiled a little. "You're right. But first, I have to talk to my father so I can move on."
Kaori was impressed by how mature he sounded. "You might be right. Speaking of which, how do you feel knowing you're about to see him?"
"I'm not sure… but it's something I have to do."
Kaori nodded. "Well, no matter what happens, I'm here for you. And I'm really proud of you."
Nix blushed, feeling comforted.
---
A few minutes later, they arrived at the psychiatric hospital.
"Are you ready?" Kaori asked.
Nix nodded nervously. "Yeah… I think so."
They walked to the front desk. The receptionist asked, "Patient's name?"
"Richard Snow," Nix answered.
The lady guided them down the hall. "Alright, this is Richard's room. Good luck."
Kaori and Nix stepped inside. Richard stood up, wanting to hug Nix, but Nix didn't move.
"Kaori… could you give us a moment, please?" Nix asked.
"Of course. I'll be right outside," Kaori said, shooting a hard look at Richard before leaving.
Nix and his father sat down.
"There's a lot I need to say," Nix began. "But first… just listen."
Richard nodded silently.
"I hated you," Nix said, tears forming in his eyes. "You were drunk at the party. I knew something was wrong. And then… you took Mom away. She died, and I never even got to say goodbye. Everyone asked me if I saw a man on fire. I didn't know what to think. I blamed you. I blamed your stupid drinking!"
Richard's eyes filled with tears. "I'm so sorry, Nix. I don't even know what happened that day. If it was the alcohol or if I really saw something… but it's all my fault. I wish I could take it back."
"I'm sorry too," Nix whispered.
Richard blinked. "Why are you sorry? None of this is your fault."
"I just… I needed you to understand my pain. But maybe it's not entirely your fault."
Richard looked confused. "Why would you say that?"
"Because I believe you," Nix said. "I think you really did see a man with fire hands."
Richard's eyes widened. "Wait… you believe me?"
"I didn't see him," Nix said, "but… I think I'm like him. I've started to manifest powers. I don't know why."
Richard looked wary. "Are you… making fun of me?"
Nix held out his hand, and a small flame danced in his palm.
"I'm not joking. I don't understand it either."
Richard gasped. "Incredible. But how?"
"It started after I moved in with Kaori. Especially around Aqua. The first time, I was happy and her ice cream melted. The second time, I got sad and accidentally froze a puddle outside the store."
"So… every time something happens, you're with Aqua?" Richard asked.
Nix paused and realised. "Yeah… and the first time I saw her, we both passed out with high fevers. It's strange. I think I gave us the fever. The other day, I did a small flame in the palm of my hands and I started to think about how I gave us a fever and the flame turned dark and my eyes started glowing purple."
Richard nodded thoughtfully. "It's probably your emotions. When you're happy, it's fire. When you're sad, it's cold. Guilt… that's a new one. Maybe another ability. You're special, son. But the real questions is have you notice her having abilities too?"
"I am not sure But I don't want anyone to know. I'm scared they'll take me away. I love being with them. Kaori is caring, Zane is cool, Lina makes amazing desserts, and Aqua… well, I'm not sure."
"Sounds like Aqua's special to you. Is that why you're sad?"
Nix looked away. "I think I have a crush on her. But she told me not to get any ideas—she has a boyfriend. Kaori talked to me, and she helped a bit."
"I'm glad they're taking good care of you. I wish it were your mom and me, but I messed up. If you really like Aqua, don't give up. You can wait, or move forward—but don't stop living."
"I won't," Nix said. "And… I'm sorry I said I hated you. I'll visit more often."
Richard smiled through tears. "Thanks, son. I won't say anything about your powers. I know you'll figure this out. I'm proud of you—and your mom would be too. She loved you very much."
Nix cried and hugged his father.
"It's almost time," Richard said. "Go on, son. You've got this."
---
Outside, Kaori saw Nix and pulled him into a hug.
"I hope you got what you needed."
"I did," Nix whispered. "Now I can move forward."
Kaori smiled. "Good. Let's lift your spirits. Ice cream's on me. Then we eat."