Rose waved enthusiastically. "Daddy. Bring me juice!"
Despite myself, I huffed out a small laugh. "Fine."
The little girl grinned triumphantly before returning to her castle.
I turned and walked toward a small beachside bar further down the shore. The farther I got from the laughter, the quieter my mind became. At least for a moment.
The bartender handed me a glass of whiskey, and I took a long swallow. The burn helped. A little.
I leaned against the wooden counter, staring out at the ocean. The cool breeze brushed through my hair, carrying the scent of salt and seawater. For the first time that day, the pressure inside my chest eased slightly.
But it didn’t take long before I sensed a presence behind me.
I turned.
Selene was walking toward me with Rose beside her. The little girl
