5. Unbreakable, both muses
Her fingers tapped impatiently on her desk at home, Joseph watching Rosette drum her fingers next to the blank letter. The father walked over to his young daughter, touching her shoulder and shocking her free of her thoughts. Carefully, he placed the hot cup of coffee next to her with a small well of coffee creamer, the spoon clinking in her cup.
“Writing a report, dear?”
“Not... quite.” Rosette admitted before staring at the paper, the light from the desk lamp illuminating the pile of wadded up attempts.
“Weather messing with your mojo?” He questioned, sipping his coffee as he watched her.
“Didn’t mom ban you from having coffee?” Rosette distracted herself, casting a side glance to him only to ear a half-chuckle. “Dad, when is the storm supposed to let up...?”
“Want to get back on the sea again?”
“... Not really? I just... want to go see more of Japan.”
“Oh? Someone there you want to see?” Joseph teased, Rosette half-glaring at him with a red burning on her cheeks. “Did I hit the nail on the head?” He slurped his coffee, Rosette heaving a sigh as she poured the creamer into her cup and stirring it slowly. “You know that if you’re in love with someone, I’m fine with it.” At that, Rosette had brought her cup to her lips, nearly spitting out all the coffee in her mouth. She stared at him, eyes wide and cheeks and face more red.
“Dad!!”
“It’s true, though. You, me, your mother, Annabelle and Marco too. We will all support you and do what we can to make sure you are happy.” Setting down his cup, he reached into his chest pocket, taking Rosette’s hands and putting something in her hand. “Consider this a proof of our promise, Rosette. As unbreakable as your stubborn and powerful kindness and our love and faith in you.”
When Rosette opened her hand, a silvery ring was in her palm.