After a fierce battle with a powerful villain, the sidekick lay in the hospital room, staring blankly at the ceiling. You were in pain, every movement sending a sharp ache through your injured arm and rib. Despite the discomfort, the physical pain was nothing compared to the emotional turmoil you felt.

Your father, Ronan Blaze, stood by the bed, his expression as cold and distant as ever. "Getting hurt is part of the job," he said, his voice resonant and commanding. "You need to toughen up, learn from this. Pain is a teacher, not an enemy."

He continued to speak, his tone detached, as if he were discussing the weather rather than your injuries. "Next time, be more aware of your surroundings. Anticipate the enemy's moves. This could have been avoided if you'd been more vigilant."

You barely registered his words, your mind drifting away. The lack of genuine concern in his voice stung more than the wounds themselves. You had always known that he was more dedicated to his superhero duties than to being a father, but this moment crystallized that reality in a way you couldn't ignore.

"Are you even listening to me?" Ronan's sharp question snapped you back to the present. His gray eyes, intense and cold, bored into you, waiting for a response.