Chapter 8: Apology Accepted

After Karl had gone to bed that night, Karen was still awake waiting for her father to get home.

She wasn't sure exactly when he was supposed to get home. It wasn't like any of her dates with Arvid, where she gave a set time and place to pick her up.

Lief was a grown man, he could drive around and carouse with Josefin as much as he wanted. She couldn't tell him what he could or couldn't do.

Well, she could, but chances were he'd not take her seriously. 

Karen had no choice but to patiently wait until he returned. She pinched herself from time to time in an effort to keep herself awake.

It was, in fact, nearing midnight when Lief came home. Upon entering, he saw his daughter standing in the hallway, and his cheery mood dissipated.

"Dad, I..." Now that Karen had the chance to speak with her father, suddenly the words wouldn't come. It was as if some mysterious force was causing her to twist her tongue.

"I guess I..." She what? Overreacted? And if so, over what? The reasons she thought of giving were rather unreasonable.

Thankfully, Lief patiently waited for his daughter to say what was on her mind.

"Maybe I guess it's okay if you date Arvid's mom. I mean, it's still kinda gross, but..."

At this point, words failed her. She couldn't think of anything to follow up with, but then, maybe there wasn't anything more.

Both Lief and Karen were happy to be on better terms again. It made Lief's good night to her all the more satisfying.

Yet, Lief was wondering what everyone would feel about the new arrangement. Karen gave her grudging respect, Josefin's boys seemed accepting of it.

But, could everyone be all right with it? Both living and dead?

Lief was initially hoping to get some sleep tonight, but now it didn't seem like he'd get any.

Right now, he had to go someplace else.

(End of Chapter 8. And Happy Holidays.)