76: Chapter 53 Tim_2 76: Chapter 53 Tim_2 “Just a poor man, pretending to be something he’s not, even…”
Perhaps the words from the other side struck a chord in Tim’s increasingly sensitive heart, burdened by the pressures of a difficult life,
or maybe it was the shining gold and silver coins on the table that caught his eye.
He clenched his teeth tightly, his flushed face exhibiting the unique madness of a gambler.
The shrunken wallet was slammed onto the table.
A mouthful of spit carrying the scent of alcohol was spat onto the stone-paved ground.
The cold night wind made Tim instinctively tighten his tattered coat, his wallet by his waist was already empty.
“Fuck, if I had followed that hand, I would’ve won it all back by now!”
He replayed the scene at the card table in his mind, filled with resentment.
As if given another chance, he could win it all back.
With mechanical steps, he walked down the all-too-familiar path.
In a daze, he found himself standing at his doorstep.
It was a two-story small house, even with a little garden in the back.
The location wasn’t bad either, just a few dozen minutes’ walk from the town center.
It was thanks to Tim’s former job as an adventurer that he could afford such a house in his middle age.
Suddenly, he snapped back to reality.
His lips moved slightly, feeling a dry sensation in his mouth.
He pushed the door open and entered.
What first greeted his eyes was a small, cute figure.
“Daddy, you’re back!”
With a voice as clear as a silver bell, Beth ran and flung herself into Tim’s embrace.
Her little head nestled against her father’s collar, a deep attachment of a child to her parent.
Tim gently stroked his daughter’s smooth golden hair, carefully lifting her up.
Suddenly, as if remembering something, his expression turned regretful, full of apology:
“I’m sorry, Little Beth, I forgot to get your favorite pancakes.”
“I’ll buy them for you tomorrow, okay?”
The girl’s face showed a trace of disappointment, but she quickly worried her father would think she was upset, shaking her little head cheerfully, understandingly speaking.
A plate steaming with heat was placed on the table, emitting a cold clang.
A fair-skinned woman with a bun called out to the girl as she took off her apron.
Her gaze, however, did not land on Tim, who was holding their daughter, as if he didn’t exist at all.
The guilty man just chuckled awkwardly and walked toward the dining table.
At the dining table, the blonde girl animatedly shared with her mother about the friends she had made today and what had happened.
The woman with the bun listened patiently and earnestly to her stories, occasionally asking for more details.
Tim remained silent, simply bowing his head, quietly sipping his meat soup, spoonful by spoonful.
Suddenly, the gentle tone his wife used while chatting with their daughter turned cold and abrupt.
Knowing she was asking him.
The spoon in his hand paused for a moment, Tim lowered his head slightly, barely nodding.
Tim only heard a faint sigh from across the table.
“Mom and Dad miss Little Beth.
I’m planning to take her to stay in the countryside for a while.”
Tim abruptly raised his head, looking stunned.
Just a little capital, just a little!
I can definitely make it back.”
His wife looked at him coldly, saying nothing in response to his promise.
Tim grew even more anxious.
I can go out and take on tasks, things will get better, they definitely will!
The atmosphere at the dining table fell into silence.
After a long pause, his wife sighed again, and from a slightly worn pocket, she took out a bulging purse.
She placed it gently on the table.
“This is a little money I’ve saved up washing clothes over time.”
“Whether it’s to maintain your equipment, continue your old line of work, or tidy up and find a job…”
“I won’t say more, it’s up to you.”
“I’ll wash the dishes.”
His wife slowly stood up and began to clear the tableware, heading to the kitchen.
Tim stared at the purse in front of him, remaining silent for a long time.
Suddenly, his clothes were gently tugged.
He saw Little Beth, who had stopped talking ever since sensing the cold atmosphere at the dining table.
At this moment, she raised her little head, with an understanding expression, speaking cautiously:
“Daddy, you don’t need to buy pancakes tomorrow.”
“Beth doesn’t like them.”
The following day, at the crack of dawn.
Tim left the house early, carrying the purse his wife left him.