Aleksandr didn't smile as Sylvia spoke harshly to his father. He was tempted, however.  He always had some strange angst towards his father and getting under my father's nerves was a bit difficult.  However, this whole morning seemed to be one person after another getting on to his father's case for conflicting reasons.

All Father Seraphim wanted to do was help.  His smile shifted a bit, but continued on his face.  His own mother would have slapped him foolishly for speaking so lowly to an authoritative figure.  But, alas, this was a different time and a different country.  His very own son lacked discipline, and after a certain age, there was only so much guidance a parent could offer--a concept that Aleksandr understood and took full advantage.   

To Aleksandr’s dismay, Father Seraphim was not about to lose his temper with someone he barely knew.  Especially since she needed help, “We brought you here only to have your parents visit.  Unfortunately, your [i]father[/i] broke your ankle as both of your parents tried to kidnap you.  Thank God, the hospital guards stopped them.  They are now under the custody of the police.  As both my son and I were worried about you, we stayed at the hospital over night to make sure you were properly cared for.”

Aleksandr drew in a breath, averting his eyes from Sylvia as his father persistently spoke gently to her.  His eyes wandered the room, scanning the different machinery, trying to get his mind off of the monotonous routine of holiness his father exuded from himself.  His eyes quit looking around the room and focused back on Sylvia. She had uncovered her legs, revealing that she was only wearing a hospital gown, which was quite a revealing scene.  That was probably the most action his father had gotten in a decade.  His father, of course, did not seem unnerved by Sylvia’s exposure—if he even noticed. His mind focused on himself, realizing he may have been the only one to notice her unconscious decision to show off her body. [i]What a horribly, terribly sad life I live,[/i] he thought to himself. [@Arista]