Chapter 58: Chapter 58: Guess Who’s Back (Part 8)
As soon as Don finished his story, Samantha could no longer hold back and brought her hands to her face as she began to sob.
"I'm so sorry Donnie, if only I wasn't so stupid- I *sniff* I never imagined you went through so much." Samantha looked absolutely heartbroken at the information and couldn't help but apologize.
The guilt she felt for never trying hard enough to bring Don back when his father was still around gnawed at her. Summer similarly felt guilty but she simply lowered her head and was unable to say anything. She wanted to apologize as well but didn't even know where to begin.
Amanda stood from her seat and walked over to Samantha before hugging her and rubbing her shoulder. "You couldn't have known Sam, none of us could have imagined that…"
Now that he had successfully managed to tell a fake back-story, Don didn't need to push it any further as that would only proof to be negative, after all, he had nothing to gain by making the innocent woman in front of him feel worse than she already did.
So he looked at her and smiled while nodding at aunt Amanda's words. "Aunt Amanda is right, you couldn't have known. There's no point blaming yourself for something you knew nothing about. It's all in the past, and I'm here now, alive and healthy, with my family in one piece, and that's enough to be thankful for."
Don's word prompted aunt Amanda to look his way and smile. After everything he had said, she could honestly understand if he had some anger and resentment toward the family, especially Samantha, but his words seemed genuine.
"Oh Donnie…" Samantha began to cry harder, not because of guilt but because she felt she didn't deserve to be forgiven so easily. The guilt she felt as a mother was something Don couldn't even begin to imagine.
In that moment, Summer finally raised her head to look at Don as she hesitantly spoke in a low tone, "I-I'm sorry Don, I-," she stopped there, unable to express how she felt with words.
Don turned his head to face her and maintained a small smile. "You have nothing to be sorry for, none of you do. What happened was my fault and no one else's. Okay?"
Although it seemed like Don was playing the forgiveness card a bit too early, he knew very well that guilt wasn't something that faded easily.
If anything, by not holding anyone accountable or holding any grudges, he made the guilt they felt worse. And going forward, he knew they'd treat him more positively and be more open to his requests should he have any.
[ +25 Villain Points ]
The brief appearance of the prompt just lead Don to inwardly sigh. It was simply proof of how wrong what he was doing was, but it was necessary.
Summer gave a short nod and muttered, "okay", but as she spoke her eyes looked incredibly teary and she suddenly just stood up and ran off. "Sorry I have to do my assignments now!"
"Summer!" Aunt Amanda tried to call out but Summer's figure quickly disappeared behind the door as she slammed it behind her.
Aunt Amanda could only sigh while Samantha finally removed her hands from her face, revealing the runny makeup that now stained it. "I'm sorry you have to see me like this Donnie *sniff*, I know I can't possibly makeup for what happened to you but if there's anything I can do *sniff* please don't hesitate to ask." Samantha used her hands to wipe her tears as she said this.
Hearing this, Don pretended like he was considering the offer deeply. He had a hand under his chin and looked up in a contemplative manner while stroking his chin lightly. Considering the guilt Samantha was likely feeling, Don knew that he could get away with some absurd requests. But that was being far too short sighted.
Like all emotions, even guilt would eventually fade with time unless constantly reignited. So rather than use it for a singular request, it was best to use it to set himself up for the future.
If he acted kind now by not abusing the power Samantha gave him, the impression he would leave would be great and would likely gain him not only her trust, but genuine love, which was far more valuable than any short term gains.
As a bonus, Amanda, who cared deeply for her sister, would also see him in a positive light. So with all that in mind, Don gave Samantha an answer. "Well, if you really want to make it up to me, you can do three things" Don began, causing both Amanda and Samantha to look at him anxiously.
"Firstly, stop blaming yourself, it's not your fault and I hate seeing you cry."
"Secondly, just be yourself, you don't need to force yourself to act some type of way because you think it makes me comfortable."
"And lastly, just take me shopping sometime, I didn't really come with many clothes."
Don showed a playful smile as he revealed the last request, prompting Samantha to show him a weak smile as she nodded. "Sure…*sniff* I'll buy you the whole store if you want," she added as she finally let out a small weak laugh.
After she said this, Don felt he was done. After everything that was said, it was impossible to have a normal meal without some awkwardness.
So he gave a nod before yawning and rubbing his eyes, "Sorry, I'm still tired. If it's fine with you can I just eat what's left of my share for breakfast tomorrow? I'm just about ready to call it a day."
Samantha nodded immediately. "Sure, *sniff* of course, I'll put everything in the fridge. I think we could all use some sleep."
Don stood up from his seat and prepared to leave, saying only, "goodnight," before walking off. He directly went back to his room where he threw himself on the bed and let out a sigh. To say that interaction was draining would be an understatement.
'Let's hope things get easier going forward.' He thought as he prepared to close his eyes, but before he could, another system prompt appeared.
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**END OF DAY SUMMARY**
**Name:** Don
**Hair Color: Black
**Eye Color:** Brown
**Occupation:** Supervillain
**Height:** 181 cm
**Net Worth:** $0.00
**Supervillain Name:** The Predator
**Sidekicks:** 1
**Supervillain Reputation:** 0
**Idol Reputation:** 0
**Supervillain Points:** 50
**Idol Points:** 0
**Total Aura:** 8
**Abilities:**
- Superhuman Senses (Enhanced Senses): Heightened senses such as improved vision, smell, hearing, and touch.
- Regeneration: Minor accelerated healing of minor wounds and injuries.
- Telekinesis (limited): The ability to move small objects with the mind.
- Mark Of The Arcane Being: High affinity for supernatural beings, 50% higher chance of meeting them than the common man.
**Traits:**
- Honeyed Words(Bronze): Lies now have a 10% higher chance of being believed by someone with 50 or higher trust in you.
- The Thinker(Bronze): Deeper and more insightful thoughts on situations than the common person.
- Unfazed(Bronze): Minor near-death experiences and slightly creepy people no longer faze you.
**Special Traits:**
- Manipulator(???): 10% chance of convincing others to follow mildly unethical plans and/or ideas.
**Skills:**
- Vanguard Skill Tree
- Tactician Skill Tree
**Current Status:** Arrived in Santos City
**Duration Of Stay:** Unknown
**Current Objective:** Sign up and successfully create a VR FPS avatar.
**Rewards for Clearing Objective:** 5 Idol Points
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