Glimpsed: Day 7

Word Count: 42,005

Summary of Events:
Chapter 13:
Samuel went to visit Robert now that he could be up and about, and determined that Robert needed something to live for. Charlotte worked at helping Deborah in packing her things so that she could leave for Georgetown where Holloway had found a job.
Chapter 14:
Samuel brought Ella and Verbena to visit Robert and they were quite afraid of him. Charlotte watched the men pack Holloway and Deborah's things into their wagon and then watched as Holloway and Deborah set out for Georgetown.

Excerpt of the Day:
""They don't want to be," Robert said. "They're trying to get away from you like terrified cats."
"That's only because you've made them afraid," Samuel said. "In your drunkenness and your rages you terrified them. You broke their trust of you, and it's because they feel that you could explode into a rage at any time that they're afraid. You need to convince them that such isn't the case. That they can trust you like thy used to, that you're not that monster all the time."
"And how am I supposed to do that?" Robert asked.
"By not getting mad," Samuel replied.
Robert sighed and shook his head.
"It's not impossible," Samuel said.
He crouched down and settled Verbena between his legs. She tried to scramble away from him, but Samuel held her firmly. She stopped struggling when she buried her face into his chest.
Once he was sure that Verbena wouldn't spook and run Samuel turned to Ella. She gazed wide-eyed and warily at her father. Samuel released her hand and slid his hand around her back. Gently he pushed her toward her father.
Ella dug in her heels and worked to stay put. Samuel continued to gently prod Ella closer.
"There's bares in between so even if he does get made he can't get at you and hurt you," Samuel said quietly.
Ella slowly advanced until she was within a foot of the bars. Samuel took Verbena back up and straightened. Robert looked at Ella. After awhile his face crumpled and tears started to run down his cheeks.
Robert's loud and somewhat gasping inhalation startled Verbena and caused Ella to move closer to Samuel. Robert put his hands up to his face and wept. His sobs sounded bitter and heartbroken. Samuel felt pity for Robert.
"I am a monster!" Robert cried. "I'm a monster to everyone! I'm a savage! I'm a caged beast!"
"You don't have to remain that way Robert," Samuel said.
"There's no hope!" Robert cried.
"Yes there is," Samuel said.
"No! There isn't! There can't possibly be!" Robert protested
"Come here Robert," Samuel said.
Robert got to his feet and started advancing forward. Ella moved even closer to Samuel's leg and clutched the back of his coat with one hand. Samuel took her hand that still remained close to his side to keep her from running.
Arriving at the bars, Robert dropped down to his knees and gazed at Ella. Tears continued to stream down Robert's cheeks as he gazed at Ella. His eyes gazed at her, desperate and pleading.
Samuel glanced back at Ella. Her eyes — the same deep, rich brown as her father's — regarded her father fearfully, although they looked rather glassy, then Samuel noticed tears building in her own eyes.
After awhile Ella burst into tears and released Samuel. She stepped forward across the space between her and the bars and reached forward to take Robert's hand. Samuel felt tears in his own eyes as he looked at them.
"Papa," Ella said."