Chapter65
No more sacrificing the only family left for the sake of work. I’d draw boundaries, ensure a better balance, and make plans to establish a branch here, so I could return to her soon. California was just a stepping stone, a necessary step to secure our future. I’d make it work, for Willy, for myself, and for our new beginning.
“But Daddy will be back,” I continued, “and soon, we’ll be together again, always.”
“I know, Daddy! Mommy told me you’re going to make a big company! You’ll be the boss, right? With a big office and a nice chair?” Willy’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she spoke gazing up at
- me.
Her tiny hands gestured widely, illustrating her vivid imagination. Her innocent pride in me was almost too much to bear. I laughed, tears streaming down my face, as Leo smiled and chuckled
beside us. The tension in the room dissipated.
“That’s the plan, kiddo,” I said, smiling through tears. “And you’ll be my best consultant, deal?” Willy nodded enthusiastically, her grin infectious.
I settled into a cozy booth, Willy snuggled tight in my arms, and let her infectious enthusiasm wash over me. She chatted excitedly about everything under the sun: her favorite movies, books, and sports teams, and the latest video games she’d mastered. Her eyes sparkled as she planned out Christmas, that was just a month away.
“And you’ll be there, Daddy! We’ll decorate the tree together, and I’ll show you my new dress!” I
smiled, committing every word to memory.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world, baby,” I promised, meaning every word. Leo watched us from across the room, a soft smile on her face, as Willy’s joyful chatter wove a spell of normalcy and happiness. Her growing enthusiasm continued as she shifted topics, her eyes shining with
excitement.
“And, Daddy, I get to go back to my old school! All my friends will be so happy to see me!” She bounced up and down in my arms, her smile radiant.
“And, guess what? I asked Mommy if I can start skating again, and she said maybe, if Doctor Thompson says it’s okay!” Willy’s face lit up at the prospect of gliding across the ice once more.
“I’ll be the best skater ever, Daddy! You’ll come watch me, right?” She rejoiced as I hugged her tight, feeling a surge of pride and gratitude for her resilience.
“Absolutely, baby,” I replied, “I’ll be at every competition, cheering you on.” Leo’s gaze met mine, and I saw a glimmer of shared hope – hope that our little girl would continue to heal and thrive
As I held my daughter close, the turmoil within me began to subside. Being with my daughter was healing my soul, soothing the ache of regret and longing. I couldn’t help but wonder why I hadn’t
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prioritised these moments before. Why had I let work and other distractions steal time from her? But I pushed aside the self–reproach, refusing to dwell on past mistakes. Instead, I focused on the present and the future. I vowed to be a better father, to learn from my errors and make amends.
Willy deserved nothing less. As I looked into her shining eyes, I made a silent promise: I would do whatever it took to be the father she deserved, to create a lifetime of memories and happiness. The resolve hardened within me, a determination to forge a new path, one where family came first.
“Willy, can you give Mommy and Daddy a few minutes to talk?” Leo’s gentle voice broke the spell of our father–daughter moment.
Willy nodded obediently, her eyes sparkling with understanding. She wrapped her small arms around my neck, planting a soft kiss on my cheek. “I love you, Daddy,” she whispered, before sliding down from my lap.
“I’ll go play with Merry!” Willy exclaimed, her face lighting up with excitement. She darted off towards the corner of the restaurant, where her beloved white Persian cat, Merry, lounged in a cozy basket. I watched, smiling, as Willy scooped up the fluffy ball of fur, showering her with kisses and giggles. Merry purred contentedly, nuzzling Willy’s cheek, and for a moment, my heart swelled with gratitude.
That cat had been the perfect gift, bringing joy to my little girl’s life. Now, as Leo and I were left alone, the atmosphere shifted, becoming more subdued. Leo’s eyes locked onto mine, and I sensed the unspoken conversation looming between us.
“How’re you?” Leo’s voice was laced with caution as she asked, the hesitation was visible. Weeks of silence, punctuated only by practical texts about Willy’s schedule and needs. I’d avoided face–to–face conversations, unsure of how to face her. Now, as we sat across from each other, the tension was almost tangible. I searched for the right words, unsure how much to reveal.
“I’m managing,” I replied, my tone neutral. “Trying to get everything sorted with the move and the new job.” Leo’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn’t press. Instead, she nodded, her expression
softening.
“I’m glad you’re doing okay.” The words hung between us, a fragile truce.
