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.”
Benjamin froze. “You mean the General Will from Vermillion Base?”
Natasha nodded.
Benjamin paused before looking at Natasha. “He's gone? What happened? When did that happen?”
Why didn't we hear anything about General Will's death?
“Today!” Natasha replied.
“Nat, you're so well informed. We haven't heard anything yet!” Benjamin spoke.
“I got the news from Mr. Dave.” Natasha gazed at Benjamin.
Benjamin nodded his head thoughtfully. “Who killed him?”
“Boss.”
“What? Internal conflict?”
“Something like that. Anyway, being unable to end him myself...” Natasha remarked as regret filled her eyes.
Benjamin didn't know what to say. After a while, he said, “I think it's because Granddad doesn't want you to dirty your hands. That's why he let things turn out this way.”
Dirty my hands? My hands are already filthy. I only regret that Will wasn't there during the Vermillion Base massacre! I regret not ending him myself!
Natasha didn't speak out her thoughts to Benjamin, though. A complicated smile appeared on Natasha's face.
Benjamin watched the change of expression on Natasha's face. Not only did he feel like Natasha had become gentler, but there was also something about her that was indescribable to Benjamin.
“Nat, no matter what, at least that person is dead. Our revenge has been served,” the boy continued, “Even though you weren't the one to do it, the result is still the same. He doesn't deserve to live.”
Natasha nodded as she looked at Benjamin. “Yes.”
“Nat, don't be too worked up over it. If you think about it, you won't be in danger if you don't have to end him yourself. Granddad and Granny protected you. If not, why would his life end when you found out about the truth? I'm sure Granddad and Granny arranged it that way so you don't get yourself into dire situations. Besides that, now that he is gone, we no longer have to live in fear. We can be together forever now,” Benjamin voiced.
Natasha smiled. Even though Benjamin is reserved, his words have a significant effect on comforting me.
She nodded. “Mm. You're right.”
“No matter what, Granddad and Granny's revenge has been served. We can leave this place after Daddy gets better now.” Benjamin let out a sigh of relief as he spoke.
Natasha pondered Benjamin's words without responding.
“Nat, do you know this? Gramps kept calling us. We are running out of excuses to tell him. Nat, you got to be strong, for Gramps' sake!” Benjamin gazed at Natasha.
The image of an elderly Terence appeared in Natasha's mind.
He's right. I have to be strong for Grandpa! Just like what Benjamin had said, I need to think about Grandpa. I have to stay alive. I've got to admit it. Benjamin has good insight into different matters. His words reminded me of what I should be focusing on. I would still be caught up in my emotions if it wasn't for him.
Natasha focused her gaze on Benjamin. This time around, determination filled her eyes. “Yes. You're right. We shall head back after your daddy gets better. Then, we will stay with Gramps for a while to accompany him.”
As if he could feel the shift in Natasha's state of mind, Benjamin grinned as he nodded his head earnestly. “Okay!”
Natasha suddenly felt dizzy while they were chatting.
Noticing that, Benjamin asked, “What's wrong, Nat?”
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