Before We Say Goodbye

CHAPTER 8: Four Days

Daniel was leaving in four days.

Emma couldn't decide whether that was a blessing or a curse.

They met at the park.

Daniel was sitting on a bench beneath an old tree.

Emma sat beside him.

"I talked to my mother."

Daniel looked at her.

"She admitted it?"

"Yes."

He sighed.

"I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault."

"I still should have tried harder."

"So should I."

They sat quietly.

Finally, Emma asked:

"Why did you come back?"

Daniel looked toward the lake.

"My father died."

Emma's heart softened.

"I'm sorry."

"Thank you."

"He was sick?"

"For a while."

Daniel paused.

"After the funeral, I realized I'd spent years building a life that looked good from the outside."

"But?"

"But it didn't feel like mine."

Emma looked at him.

"So you came home."

"Yes."

"Why me?"

Daniel smiled sadly.

"Because every time I thought about home, I thought about you."

Emma looked down.

"What happens after you leave?"

"I don't know."

"I don't want another goodbye."

"Neither do I."

Daniel reached for her hand.

Emma hesitated.

Then she let him take it.

"We have four days," he said.

"Four days isn't enough."

"Maybe not."

He squeezed her hand.

"But it's more than we had yesterday."