Chapter 3 Amends 🥀
287 Words
I followed dad to his "space," as he calls it. I make my way to the open garage door. "I made mistakes with you kids," he says, his back to me as he messes with stuff. Leaning my back against the door, I listen as he continues on. "I never questioned myself as a president, but I damn sure questioned myself as a father," his voice cracked. "That night, when you and Faye were taken, I prayed. For the first time in my life, I prayed. I told God that if he protected you both and kept you unharmed, I'd change my ways. When Faye died, "
"Dad-" "No, Angel, I messed up; when Faye died, I couldn't look at you. You were a reminder. So, I know it's my fault. If I had just been there, "cutting him off," I would have still left dad... I tell him, "I admit I knew I was a reminder every day, a ghost of a child you lost. But we all grieved in our own way. Losing Faye was like losing part of myself. Looking in the mirror every day didn't help either. But then little Faye was born, and I felt like a part of me came back. Those kids in there keep me going; I stayed that long for them. If I never left, I wouldn't have them. It's no one's fault but mine. Apart of me wished I would have stayed and worked things out with you all, but I lost my other half.... You've always been a good dad; don't ever question that." A tear slips from his eye as he grabs me and hugs me for the first time in years. "Welcome home, princess..."
- Writer
