Page 23 of Consumed By Fire

"I see that, but it still doesn't seem real. I missed you, Charlie."

"I missed you too, Dad." After all, Dad had always been there for me, at least until that day.

I help him sit down and drink some water. He sees Dylan and gestures for him to come closer.

"You’re definitely not my grandchild,” he says, looking at me. "Where is the little one?"

I guess it's time to face my demons and tell him the truth.

"Dad ... there ... there’s no baby," I confess. It hurts so bad saying it out loud.

"Why not? Didn't you bring the baby with you?"

"I had a miscarriage, Dad," I admit trying to hold back my tears.

"Oh no, my little one. I thought you weren't talking about the baby over the years just to keep him away from me."

"No, Dad. Unfortunately, I wasn't lucky enough to carry on with the pregnancy."

"Oh honey, I'm sorry," he says, hugging me.

"It's okay, Dad. This is Dylan Cooper, my boyfriend."

"Good afternoon, sir," Dylan says, looking nervous.

"Good afternoon, Dylan. Call me Paul, please,” Dad says, shaking his hand. "Treat her well. She’s the most precious thing I have." I blush.

"That's what I'll do, Paul. The same goes for me," Dylan answers and Dad smiles at him.

"I like him," Dad whispers, winking at me. I approach him as if I have to confess a secret.

"Me too," I tell him. Hearing Dad laugh reminds me of all our evenings and our unique moments.

"You've changed so much, baby."

"It's still me, Dad. Maybe a little more mature and old."

"Nonsense! You're still a child!"

"I’ll always be a child in your eyes."

"True! It’ll be nice to have you here again."

"Dad, we're here only for a couple of days. We need to get back to work."

"Oh ... I thought..."

"But that doesn't mean you can’t come and see us, Paul," Dylan adds.

"Can I really?"

"Sure, Dad. My house is always open for you. But ... don't bring Mom."

"Didn't she tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

"We got divorced shortly after you left."