The Day I Kissed An Older Man

Vince smiled and ruffled Rita's hair. "It's nothing. I used to stay up for several nights in a row when I was young. Tonight, I must stay by your side."

When Rita was younger, her father and mother would always be there for her when she was sick. Over the years, Vince had maintained this habit. Whenever she felt unwell, he would stay by Rita's side. Rita could not help but tear up at the thought of these memories, and she feebly called out, "Dad..."

Even though she was safe, she was still scared. The only reason she tried to convince him to go back was because she cared for him. Deep down, she wanted him to stay. The sense of security her father brought was something no one else could provide.

Vince simply tucked Rita's messy hair behind her ear. "You're alright, my dear. I'll always be by your side."

As Vince expected, Rita woke up startled in the middle of the night. She subconsciously called out for her father, prompting him to rush in from the next room as if he had stayed awake, waiting for this moment. Before falling asleep, her father's words kept replaying in her mind. When she had finally fallen asleep, she dreamed that she was drugged again, knowing the danger but unable to escape. She vividly remembered in the nightmare she was coerced by a stranger into a dimly lit room while her soul seemed to be floating above, watching the whole thing while her body could not control itself or break free from the restraint.

coat draped over his shoulders, wiped the cold sweat from

Daddy's right here. There's nothing to worry about, you're perfectly safe," Vince reassured

fear she felt slowly ebbed away when she realized it was her father. She could

scared. I just had another nightmare... But this time, Sherman didn't come to save me, and

of reality, right?" Vince cut in gently. "Don't say such things.

for

simply sat by Rita's bedside, watching her fall