By the time I reached the front steps of my house, I could already see my father waiting by the door. He must have heard me approaching because as soon as I stepped onto the porch, he turned to look at me.
And then his expression changed.
“Elena?” His voice was laced with concern.
I hadn’t realized I was crying until I saw the way his face twisted with worry. I quickly wiped my tears away, forcing a weak smile as if that would make everything seem normal.
“Hey, Dad.” My voice came out softer than I intended.
He stepped forward, closing the distance between us, and without another word, he pulled me into his arms. The warmth of his embrace was immediate, comforting in a way that made my chest tighten even more. I clung to him, burying my face into his shoulder, inhaling the familiar sc
