Meeting her Father (1)

“Nicholas?” Anne called out his name as he entered the room.

“Yes?” His voice was soft as if he already knew that something was on her mind and she wanted to share it with him.

Just like he expected, she said, “I want to talk to you about something urgent.”

He shifted slightly, turning to face her. “Yes?”

She said in a firm tone, “I want to meet my dad.”

A heavy silence fell between them. Nicholas didn’t respond immediately. His face was tensed, his eyes were swirling with so many reactions that he could not hide, and she could tell he didn’t like the idea. But instead of blurting out his disapproval, he held back this time. He knew he couldn’t make this decision for her. She had the right to speak her mind without him imposing his opinions.

“I am done playing Roseanne,” she said, her voice softer now. “I am done punishing him.”

“What happened?” he asked. He wanted to know what changed her mind.

“I miss my father,” she whispered, her eyes lowering as if admitting it felt like a bet