Benjamin and Anthony did not refute for they knew what their sister pointed out was true, yet when they saw how conflicted Denise was, they decided to drop the matter.
“All right,” Anthony said, “let's not think about this for now. Regardless of what the outcome is, we should all understand that our motive for joining this training is not for ourselves, but for the whole family. If you really don't want to leave Daddy and Mommy, you can definitely stay with them. I'm sure they will be able to protect you too.”
Benjamin nodded in agreement as he added, “Exactly. You can always be our little princess at home. Anthony and I will train and become powerful so we can protect you in the future. We'll take down all the bullies that
cross your path!”
Denise felt a deep pang of sorrow as she listened to her brother because they were talking as if they were about to part. The truth was, the triplets had never lived apart from each another their entire lives, so it ached Denise's heart hearing them speak, yet she was not someone who showed her vulnerability, so she looked them right in the eye, pursing her lips.
“I'm not staying at home. I want to be strong too. I want to protect you all and Nat as well,” she uttered and took a deep breath. “I'll give this some thought and let you guys know my decision soon. It's late, so I'll turn in first.”
Then, she said no more and went into her room, leaving her brothers behind.
The two knew that Denise was not someone who liked to be seen as emotional.
She must have agonized over the decision and felt touched by what her brothers said, but she did not want them to know how she felt.
“Well... she might seem indifferent at times, but when it comes to making critical decisions, you'll realize she’s someone who truly cherishes relationships, so I guess we can only give her some time until she decides,” Benjamin noted.
“I agree. All right. We should go rest as well. Goodnight,” Anthony said.
Pensively, the two brothers went back to their respective rooms.
Back in her room, Denise was caught in a painful dilemma.
Disappointment clouded her eyes as she sat on her bed, dejected. After some time, she looked at her favorite teddy bear and pulled it into her arms, mumbling, “Elisa... What do you think I should do? I've never stayed alone without my brothers and Mommy. Now that we're finally united with Daddy, I just want to stay with them, but I also know that I have to be independent and strong to safeguard all the good things I have in life because unexpected things happen all the time.”
The girl looked at the doll that wore a smiley face and sighed. She fell into her bed with the bear still in her embrace.
“Can't life just be simple and straightforward? Why do we have to make so many decisions, huh?”
When morning broke the next day, Natasha was still sleeping when she was awakened by the noises outside.
Since she had had a good rest, and she had to go to work, Natasha got out of bed instead of sleeping in, yet the moment she opened the door, she was greeted by the sight of Kenneth, Terence, and the children in the dining area.
They were already having breakfast around the table.
“This tastes delicious,” Denise said.
“Have more, then,” Kenneth urged with a smile.
“Thanks, Mr. Handsome!” the girl exclaimed.
“Have a bite of this, Old Mr. Watson. It tastes really good. I heard the recipe has been passed down through many generations,” Kenneth said.
Although Terence looked disinterested, he still nodded, saying,
“I'll help myself.”
Kenneth nodded back.
What is going on?
Natasha frowned as she walked out of her room.
Just as she was about to speak, Benjamin called out to her. “You're up, Nat! Join us for breakfast!”
Everyone looked up at her the moment they heard Benjamin. Among the lot, Kenneth looked particularly excited as his eyes lit up in sparkles.
“What are you doing here?” Natasha asked Kenneth.
“I'm here to send breakfast, of course,” he replied in good spirit.
When Natasha was seated at the table,
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