The Day I Kissed An Older Man

"Before going to rehearsal, I had told her to wait for me at the entrance of the auditorium while I went to ask the teacher if she could go in. But as soon as I came out, she was gone. All the teachers and students were waiting for me in the auditorium, and I... I couldn't leave without telling them anything!" said Claudia.

Thalia explained through tears, "Claudia, I didn't mean to wander off. It was just too sunny outside the auditorium, so I wanted to find a shady spot. I didn't see you coming out. If I knew I could go in, I wouldn't have wandered off. I know I shouldn't wander in unfamiliar places, Dad, I really didn't mean to! Please don't scold Claudia anymore. It's all my fault. I won't go to her school again next time."

Claudia bit her lip and remained silent. Henry lost his composure even more when he saw Thalia crying so sadly.

"You're too cocky for your own good! You think you can do everything well. But in reality, you ended up causing your sister to suffer in an unfamiliar place. Now that she's finally back, instead of admitting your mistake and apologizing to her, you're telling me it's not your fault? Claudia, I'm really disappointed in you."

Henry's words hit Claudia hard, and she looked up with tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry... But Thalia did come back safely, didn't she?"

"How dare you talk back to me? You still think you didn't do anything wrong, huh?"

Claudia did not respond and stood there silently. It was evident she felt wronged.

Henry, softened by his youngest daughter's tears, slapped Claudia. "Fine, stay there for all I care. No dinner for you tonight either. You better take this time to reflect on your mistake."

looked at her father in disbelief. It was the first time she had been scolded like this by her father. Even when she made small mistakes before, Henry always downplayed them. She

instant the slap landed, Henry regretted it. His eldest daughter had always been so sensible and caring. He had never hit her before. He regretted his action even more when he saw the shock and disappointment

"..."

always listened to you

care of Thalia. When

can't I have some time to myself, even on

drawn by

It's all my fault.

a burden I am

won't