Chapter 10 - Dad Returned The Blank Place Card
Dad kept the blank place card from the restaurant.
Lena discovered that when he visited her temporary quarters near the
base.
He placed it on the table.
“I took this.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know.”
He looked ashamed.
“I think because I knew it was wrong.”
The blank card had bothered him before Mercer entered.
He had noticed.
He said nothing.
“Melody handled the reservations,” he explained.
Lena raised an eyebrow.
Dad sighed.
“I know. That doesn’t excuse me.”
Progress.
Small, awkward progress.
He sat down.
“I spent years telling myself you left us.”
“I did leave.”
“Because of what I said.”
“Partly.”
Dad rubbed his hands together.
“I was angry at you because Caleb died and you were somewhere else.”
“I know.”
“I knew it wasn’t rational.”
“That didn’t stop you.”
“No.”
He looked at her.
“I’m sorry.”
Lena had imagined hearing those words.
In some versions she cried.
In others she gave a perfect speech.
Reality was quieter.
“Thank you.”
Dad looked disappointed.
Maybe he expected forgiveness to feel bigger.
Lena added:
“I love you. I’m still angry. Both can be true.”
He nodded slowly.
Before leaving, he pushed the blank place card toward her.
“What should I do with it?”
Lena smiled.
May you like
“Throw it away.”
He did.
