"I thought you had something against me, that I had done something wrong. Mother kept telling me that as long as I studied hard and came first in everything, you would pay attention to me and be happy."
Jonathan closed his eyes. Tears slipped from the corners of his eyes and fell onto the pillow.
"Only now do I understand," Ned's voice cracked with emotion, "you were so strict with me because I was your son. You were afraid I wouldn't be good enough to carry this family."
"Ned, you are good enough. You have carried this family." Jonathan immediately refuted him. "Don't belittle yourself. You've done better than I ever did. I'm happy, and I'm proud!"
Ned's tears finally fell. He lowered his head so his father wouldn't see them.
The father and son remained silent for a long time.
"Ned," Jonathan spoke again, "Sophie is a good woman. I have already missed my chance once in this life. You must not miss yours."
