Candy and Mathu have an affectionate but complex relationship.
After her parents were killed (when she was five), Candy was raised by Mathu and Miss Merle. He is a much older man, and acts as a kind of father to Candy. Since he did, he still sees her in part as a child, rather than an adult. At the same time, because of his age (and innocence), Candy tries to protect Mathu. It is a tug of war of affection, attempts to be independent, and attempts to protect.
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