A tense silence filled the car. Donald studied Arthur carefully, recalculating risks and outcomes like the military strategist he was.
"Where is this coming from suddenly?" he asked. "You've been content with video calls."
"Content isn't the word I'd use," Arthur said, allowing a hint of raw emotion to enter his voice. "I've been patient. I've believed in your words and our agreement."
He looked down at his hands, an uncharacteristic vulnerability in the gesture.
"But your actions have been showing me otherwise. I could lie to you and tell you it hasn't affected me, but it has." He raised his eyes to meet Donald's. "I just want to see my sister. Why is that such a bad thing?"
Donald stared at him for a moment, his calculating gaze searching for deception and finding what appeared to be simple human longing.
'This kid...' Donald thought. 'Fine. It's not like he can do anything after seeing his sister. I'll talk to the doctors so they can sort out everything before his arrival.'
