THE EMPTY CHAIR
Anthony tried to focus on the event.
He really did.
The principal was giving a speech.
Parents were applauding.
Children were laughing.
Everything appeared normal.
Yet his attention kept drifting.
Back to the same place.
Back to the same three children.
Back to the same empty chair.
It was ridiculous.
He didn't know them.
Didn't owe them anything.
Didn't even understand why he cared.
Yet every time he looked at them, something tugged inside him.
Especially when Diana glanced around the room.
Watching fathers sit beside their children.
Watching little girls climb into their fathers' laps.
Watching boys proudly introduce their dads to friends.
The disappointment she tried so hard to hide nearly broke Anthony's hear
