He opened the gate, walked up the path, then the porch steps. He moved the baby monitor a bit, then sat next to Zoe on the swing.
They sat quietly, then Scars said, “Hi, baby.”
“Hi.” She gave him a quick look, then turned her eyes back to the inky sky. “How was physio today?”
“Great, actually.”
“Good.”
Silence fell again, and Scars took a deep breath.
“I’m so sorry, Zoe. I’m sorry that I shoved you away.”
Her eyes fell to the porch floor now, and he took her hand, felt only slight resistance. He tightened his grip a bit, determined to not deprive her of his touch this time.
“I shouldn’t have done that, baby,” he said. “I know you know why I did, but it should never have happened. I should have stayed and talked to you.”
“Don’t you –” She paused and cleared her throat. “Do you miss
