About how you have a steady job and a close relationship with your mother. You built a life for yourself, a good life, despite my absence. And it made me realize how selfish I had been.
This house, this money… it’s not about making amends. I know I can never do that. But I hope it shows you that I regret everything.
I regret leaving. I regret missing your life. And most of all, I regret not being the father you deserved.
Have a great life, Emily. You’ve earned it.”
My eyes blurred with tears. For so long, I’d been angry.
I’d struggled with feelings of abandonment, with the pain of a missing father. Now, I was overwhelmed. He had looked into me.
He was proud of the life I’d built. I only wished he had reached out. I don’t know if I would’ve forgiven him, but maybe, I would’ve tried to get to know him, too.
Things could’ve been different. Yet, as my tears fell, I realized I was also grateful. Not for the house, the money, or any of it, but for these words — they soothed something in my soul.
I vaguely heard Grandma Estelle ushering my half-siblings out. Their protests quickly faded as they left the house. I focused on Mr.
Davis, who instructed me to call him to finalize the legal matters. And then, I was alone in my father’s house, the house that used to be mine and my only chance to get to know him now. Was it even possible to know a person after they were gone?
I wondered, but I supposed I was about to find out.
