My stomach churns at the thought of what is about to happen.
He takes a deep breath as if preparing to dive underwater. "We're selling the estate."
What? This estate is his entire life. He inherited it from his father, and it was meant to be passed on to his children. Camilla agreed to take over the inheritance. All the details were settled.
I sink to my knees beside him in disbelief. "But then…"
"It will be over," Father completes my sentence. "It's done. Finally. Over."
Though he whispers his words, I sense the gravity behind them. He wants to sever all ties. Erase every memory.
The enthusiasm with which he fought for this patch of land his whole life no longer exists.
I don't know what to think about it, and even less can I comprehend what this information does to me. It's as if there's a void inside me, swallowing everything.
"A potential buyer has shown interest. He's coming today." Beads of sweat form on his forehead, indicating how strenuous this conversation is for him. "I don't want to burden your sister even more than she already is. Camilla is struggling enough to help me with the sale formalities. She clings to her homeland. But you…"
I don't. That's what he thinks. And he's probably right. Too many memories lurk here for me, too much nostalgia, and even more pain. The feeling of home died within me long ago. And that's for the best.
"Alessia prepared your old room for him. You must show him the estate and the grounds. I also promised that we would present him the sights of the surrounding area." He reaches for me. A cold nothingness brushes against my hand, as if a ghost were touching me. "He'll stay for three weeks to take a good look at everything. Then he must decide if he wants to buy, understand?"
The determination in his voice lacks the fragility that usually dominates it. He's serious. Whatever the reason this particular buyer is so eager, it seems to be the most important thing right now.
I don't want to ask because, in the end, it doesn't matter. I know that it's probably the best solution for everyone. We'll get it over with. Rip off the Band-Aid from our skin and endure the excruciating burning for a second, only to finally be free.
The fact that I have to stay for several weeks now doesn't sit well with me. But if it's necessary, I'll do it. I gently place my hand on his bony shoulder and nod. "I'll take care of it."
