The answer hurt deeply.
“What did you tell them?”
“That their father lived far away.”
He deserved worse.
“And now?”
Emma looked away.
“Now they ask less.”
When they returned to the living room, Nathan stood near the door, unable to move closer.
“I want to earn whatever place you allow me to have.”
Emma looked exhausted.
“The science fair is Thursday.”
He listened carefully.
“The boys will be there.”
His heart started racing.
“You may come.”
A pause.
“But not as their father.”
Nathan nodded.
“No gifts.”
Another nod.
“No photos.”
“I understand.”
Emma sighed.
“No, you don’t.”
She opened the door.
“But maybe you can learn.”
For the first time in five years, Nathan Harrison left with something far more valuable than any contract he had ever signed.
Hope.
A small, fragile chance to become the father he should have been from the beginning.
