LOVE IN THE MOMENT

CHAPTER EIGHT: SUDDEN DEPARTURE

Hazel's eyes narrowed as she watched her dad try to brush off her concerns. She knew he was hiding something, and she was determined to find out what it was.

"I don't believe you, Dad," Hazel said, her voice firm. "You're hiding something from me, and I want to know what it is."

Her dad sighed, looking around the room nervously. "Hazel, I... I need to go out of town for a while."

Hazel's eyes widened in surprise. "What? Why?"

Her dad hesitated before speaking. "I have some business to take care of. I'll be gone for a few weeks."

Hazel felt a surge of anger and frustration. Her dad was leaving the country without explaining what was going on?

"When are you leaving?" Hazel asked, trying to keep her emotions in check.

Her dad looked at his watch. "I have a flight to catch in a few hours."

Hazel's eyes narrowed. This was getting weirder by the minute.

"I don't want you to go, Dad," Hazel said, trying to sound calm.

Her dad's expression softened, and for a moment, Hazel saw a glimmer of the dad she used to know.

"I'm sorry, kiddo," he said. "But I have to go. I'll be back soon."

Hazel nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat. She didn't know what was going on, but she knew she had to find out.

As her dad packed his bags and said his goodbyes, Hazel couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. What was her dad hiding? And where was he really going?