Adrien sends Natalie a text again. He sure hopes she answers it this time. He is desperate for answers, because it is not like he can predict his father's mood swings, or cure him of his depression.

      Marinette sees Adrien's sad expression on his face. She figures it must be his father's health.  She does not recall when Gabriel last sat down to eat something, to drink a cup of coffee, or to spend time with his family. She cannot begin to imagine their lives without him in it.

       Marinette brings Gabriel a cup of tea with cream in it right on schedule. Gabriel takes a sip but scowls at her.

     "Leave me alone." Gabriel scoffs.

    "You do not mean it," Marinette says.

   "Sure, I mean it, that is why I said it," Gabriel remarks.

    "Father, cannot you see how you hurt her?"  Adrien asks. He sees Marinette's tears but is not too happy that his father makes her cry.

    "Get out of here," Gabriel demands.

     Adrien grabs Marinette's hand and exits the room. They both look at each other and sob. They hug each other to help calm down after Gabriels' outburst.  They pity him but do not how much longer they can stand the abuse.

   Natalie works hard to care for her nephew and niece. She notices her brother-in-law is on the mend. She discovers her text messages from Adrien and Marinette, climbs aboard a train, and falls asleep.

 *Author's Note: Does Natalie discover the truth about Gabriel? 

   The story, with moments of drama and much more continues in Chapter 2: Natalie You  Are Back!