Natasha's concern wasn't the biggest problem for her. To her, the biggest worry she had was regarding Benjamin's future.
I don't know what the future holds for someone like him.
After a long moment of pondering, Natasha looked at the boy. “Benjamin, do you really like to work on these designs?”
Benjamin nodded. “I love it.”
Natasha continued, “First of all, your situation is unlike Anthony's. But I'm sure of one thing. Both of you are intelligent kids with unparalleled talents. Benjamin, to be honest with you, I don't know what the future holds for you. But I support you in the things you do. Other than that, I have a few words for you.”
Benjamin gazed at her. “What is it?”
Natasha took a deep breath while her eyes were still locked on Benjamin. “Benjamin, using your design and thoughts on the wrong party will cause irreversible hurt and damage to many people and countries. That's why I hope you will use it on the correct people and that you will be a person that contributes to society and the country. Making a weapon is all about protecting people, not hurting them. Do you understand?”
Benjamin didn't think things through before. To him, it was merely an interest that motivated him previously. However, Natasha's words knocked some sense into him. He finally realized that there were still many aspects and concerns that he had to ponder about.
Understanding what Natasha was talking about, Benjamin contemplated for a second before nodding. “All right, I understand. Don't worry, Nat. I won't turn into a bad person. I will become a person that you will be proud of.”
Natasha smiled upon hearing Benjamin's response. She closed the album before focusing her gaze on the latter. “I will always be proud of you no matter what you do in the future. Your existence itself is what I'm proud of.”
Looking at Natasha, at this moment, Benjamin finally understood what Anthony had meant. With her soft-spoken manner, it seemed like a light radiated from Natasha.
Benjamin smiled and nodded. “All right. I got it.”
In response, Natasha reached out and caressed his head.
At that exact moment, Benjamin mumbled, “Nat!” before leaning his head onto Natasha's arm.
Natasha paused. He and Anthony had always acted cute before me since they knew how to. Benjamin's action warmed my heart, though.
She leaned in, so the boy could feel more comfortable lying in her arms.
“What's the matter?” Natasha asked.
“I was really, really worried about you during the time that you were gone.”
Natasha peered at Benjamin's round and cute head. Benjamin acting coy brought out inexplainable feelings in Natasha.
The woman lowered her gaze and murmured, “I'm sorry for worrying you.”
“Nat, you don't have to be sorry. I know that's something that you can't get over. No matter what you do, we will always support you.”
Natasha reached out to stroke Benjamin's soft hair.
Benjamin lifted his eyes, focusing them on Natasha before asking, “But then, Nat, when can you finish exacting revenge for Granddad?”
The mention of revenge sent disappointment flashing across Natasha's eyes. “I'm afraid I can't do that anymore.”
“Huh?” Benjamin's face scrunched up. “Why?”
Natasha took a deep breath as regret filled her eyes. “Because he is dead.”
Benjamin looked at her. He thought about it for a second before questioning, “Who is dead?”
Natasha lowered her eyes and looked at Benjamin. “General Will.”
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