Democracy no more

Gerhardt knew how skeptical all of the children must be with the sudden divorce. He had been unsure about it himself, but now - in hindsight - he knew that it was the best thing he could have done. Though he regretted it terribly, and often missed Adette more than he'd ever thought possible, he knew it was a good decision and would not sway from it. Still, he didn't blame the russet boy for not liking the idea. He would have forgiven him altogether if it wasn't for what he'd heard from Maverick. It seemed that Valkis had hated his father all along - and this was merely the icing on the cake. "She will not return if there is no prospect of things being the way they were - and there is no prospect of that. What is done is done, and I'm sorry that it's so painful. You've gone through enough pain, and I'm sorry to add to it." He listened as more biting words spilled from the lad's mouth. What had caused such blatant hatred? "Then what is needed, son? What can I possibly offer you, or do for you? What can I do to change your mind about me?" He knew the answer would probably be nothing, but he had to at least try. If he didn't at least exhaust all of his options, he would never know if there was hope for change. If all options were exhausted and the boy still would not relent, Gerhardt would have to take action.

"Speech"