Something tightened in my chest.
June spoke.
« Our father could not be here today. »
My stomach sank.
Daniel.
They were talking about Daniel.
After everything, on that one day when I finally arrived, they honored the man who had never come.
I forced myself to stay still.
Ava pulled out a folded sheet of paper. Claire put her hand to her mouth, her shoulders trembling.
“We found the notebook,” June said.
I froze.
I knew what was coming – and yet I didn’t.
June began to read.
“To my girls. You are one year old today…”
A shiver ran down my spine.
I knew those words.
« I’m 27. I’m constantly afraid. I don’t know how to be a father, but I’m not leaving. »
The camera slipped out of my hands.
Someone caught her.
When she said « our father, » she meant me.
On stage, June looked directly at me.
She continued reading.
« I will never be the father you deserve, but I will be the one who stays. »
Ava followed, her voice trembling:
« I promise you breakfast every morning, even if it’s burnt… »
Claire finished:
« I love you more than I ever thought possible. »
The room blurred.
