Chapter34
I had sped out of the office like, my heart racing with anticipation and anxiety. I had already texted my parents to get Willy ready, and I couldn’t wait to see my little girl’s smile. As I drove home, my mind wandered to Leo. Despite our troubled relationship, I admired her efforts to shield Willy from the pain of our situation. It was a stark contrast to my own actions, which had hurt Leo in the worst
way possible.
I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the present moment. I was determined to make the most of this evening, to cherish the time with my family, and to find a way forward, no matter how
uncertain our lives was now.
1 gently helped Willy into the car, her bright smile and sparkling eyes a stark contrast to the turmoil
brewing inside me. She was already on the porch, all dressed up and bubbling with excitement, eager to spend a peaceful evening with her parents.
As I buckled Willy into her seat, I couldn’t help but think of Leona, and how this new development would affect her fragile trust in me. I took a deep breath, shaking myself for what lay ahead, and closed the car door, trying to shut out the darkness that threatened to encroach on our fragile happines..
“Dad, why don’t you buy Mommy jewelry and flowers?” my clever eight–year–old suggested, her eyes sparkling with innocence. I forced a smile, but it faltered as reality set in. Those gestures would have made a difference when I was emotionally distant, neglecting our relationship.
Now, they would likely seem hollow, a belated attempt to make amends. The thought stung. I glanced at Willy, hoping she wouldn’t sense my unease. Her suggestion came from a place of love and simplicity, unaware of the complexities that had driven our relationship to the edge. I nodded, pretending to consider her idea, while secretly wondering if anything could salvage the damage I’d
done.
“I’ve hurt Mommy very badly, sweetie, so I need something extra special to say sorry,” I explained, choosing my words carefully to shield Willy from the full truth. My daughter’s innocent gaze met mine, and I felt a pang of gratitude that she didn’t yet understand the depths of my mistakes.
If she had, I feared she might develop a deep–seated resentment towards me, and that thought was
unbearable. I wanted to protect her from the harsh realities of our situation, at least for a little while longer. Her unwavering trust and love were pillars to my conscience, and I vowed to do everything in my power to regain Leo’s forgiveness and rebuild our family.
“Okay, maybe you can try taking her to Disneyland!” Willy exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. I couldn’t help but chuckle out loud at the suggestion, both amused and touched by her
innocence.
“I don’t know about Mommy, but you’d definitely love that, wouldn’t you?” I teased, playfully. Willy’s face lit up with a contagious giggle, and for a moment, our troubles seemed to melt away.
Chapter34
33.66%
Her carefree laughter smoothing something in my chest, reminding me of the simple joys in life. I savored the sound, feeling grateful for this little ball of sunshine who still saw the world with wonder and delight. As I smiled along with her, I knew I’d do anything to keep that spark alive, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
I pulled into the parking lot of our favorite pizza place and turned off the engine. I then got out and retrieved Willy’s wheelchair from the trunk, setting it up with a familiar ease. I walked around to the passenger side, gently scooped up my little girl, and carefully placed her in her chair.
She smiled up at me, comfortable and secure, as I settled her in. With a tender touch, I adjusted the straps, making sure she was cozy. Finally, I pushed her wheelchair towards the entrance, and we strolled inside together, the aroma of melted cheese and fresh dough filling our nostrils.
As we entered the pizza place, the wooden interiors and rustic designs, complete with large brick ovens and a medieval vibe, enveloped us in a warm and cozy atmosphere. Leo had always adored this place, and I could see why, it was like stepping into a different era. But today, the familiar ambiance felt hollow, lacking the sense of contentment that usually accompanied our night outs.
My nerves were on edge, my mind racing with anticipation and fear. I was desperate to know Leo’s decision, wondering if she would even want me to join them on this journey. The uncertainty terrified me, making my heart race with every passing moment. I felt like I was holding my breath, waiting for her answer, as we made our way to our usual table.
As we approached our usual table, Leo’s face lit up with a warm smile. She quickly got up and hurried towards us, her eyes shining with love and affection. She swooped down to envelop Willy in a tight hug and showered her with kisses, drinking in every word as our daughter excitedly recounted her weekend adventures with me and my parents. Willy’s innocent chatter was a stark contrast to the heavy emotions swirling inside me.
