PTE

IA’S

grin, holding the phone between my shoulder and ear as I continued packing. Her is out on a business

y,

tle advice before you head off to college." Here he goes again, my f

ully. "Dad, seriously? I'm not a

eart feel lighter. "I know you're not a kid

nything." I know if not for his constant check up, I would have done that to our h

ays be my little girl. Just remember to make smart choices and be responsible." he said the word “Smart

ed by his words. "I will, Da

ut, you see, I'll still worr

kay, fine. You can worry a little,

ill be there too, right?" at the mention of the name Henry, everything within me clenched up and froze,

tone and act which I always put up when it comes to Henry, I don’t w

y, you know that. And he promi

forming. "Why, does he think

of course not. But he's the

t him hovering around?" I sure do want him hovering around and d

there like a father figure in your life just because I won’t be there always" I cringe at the thought of having act like a father towards me, although I

into something more sincere. "I

ill prefer you staying with Henry." I would have preferred it to, that is why I ne

o play it off. "Oh,

"Because he's like fa

one." I sometimes don’t like how my dad trust Henry so much and trust me to be this sweet innocen

best for you, Sophia. And I want you to call

y his concern. "Of course, Dad. The minute

de and nostalgia. "I can't believe you're all gro

the mention of Mom. "I wish

sweetheart. But she'll be with you in spirit.

t, nervousness, and the warmth of my father's lov

sing and genuine affection. "I know

hold back the tears this isn’t meant to be a sad trip but a happy

a new adventure. I hoisted my suitcase and headed for the door. The Uber

*

enry and how our meeting would play out. I had intentionally left out the fact that I was coming to surprise him, wanting to catch him off guard. When Dad had asked

number, my heart pounding in my ch

sweetheart. H

g within me. "It's sunny and

s great to hear. Did

intact. "Yeah, he's in a meeting right n

orking, that man. Alr

Dad. Lo

d an Uber to take m

racing from the unexpected encounter. "H

ine, filled with excitement.

the sun even in my voice. "Sunny a

same for Yale. It's like a rainforest

ing the rain. "I'm sure you'll

So, how's everything goi

ing away from the current situation. "Yeah, exc

sure about this, Sophia? Leaving an

me. "You know, I asked myself that same questi

e that love stuff. You're

gh. "Well, apparently m

dn't help but marvel at its grandeur. But what awa

ch him by surprise, but what I saw left me completely taken aback. There he was, sitting on the couch, laughing h

p, meeting my gaze. "Sophia?" His voice

itely not how I had envisioned our reunion. I stam

lf from the woman beside him. "I