Emily and her mate Lily were strolling through the park when they suddenly spotted a man and a woman. They were hugging, and he was whispering something in her ear. The woman smiled happily. Emily stared at them with wide eyes, unable to look away.
“Em, whats up? Emily!” Lily asked, confused.
“Nothing. Lets go,” Emily said abruptly.
The girls said their goodbyes, and Emily walked home, her mind racing. She couldnt believe what shed just seen.
“Dad, how could you? How could you do this to Mum?” she muttered, her heart sinking.
Earlier, Emily and Lily had finished their classes and decided to take a detour through the park instead of heading straight home. They wandered down the path, watching enviously as couples walked hand in hand, lost in their own little worlds.
Then they turned onto a quieter path and saw *them*the man whispering to the woman, her face lit up with joy. Though his back was turned, Emily could tell he wasnt young.
Lily barely glanced at them, but Emily froze, her eyes locked on the scene.
“Em, whats wrong?” Lily nudged her.
“Nothing. Lets just go,” Emily snapped, suddenly walking faster.
They left the park in silence. Emily barely spoke, lost in thought. When they parted ways, she trudged home, her head down, replaying the moment.
That womans happy face. The way her dad*her dad*had whispered to her, completely oblivious to everything else even his own daughter.
*Dad, how could you? You always seemed perfect. And now youve got a mistress? I wouldnt have believed it if I hadnt seen it myself.*
When she got home, Mum barely looked up from the kitchen.
“Dinners ready,” she muttered. “Cant ever get you or your father home on time.”
“Just washing my hands!” Emily replied awkwardly.
She lingered in the bathroom, avoiding the inevitable. Dad still wasnt back. She ate in silence, then retreated to her room, staring blankly at her laptop. The image of them wouldnt leave her mind.
*Is this what adults do? Lie and cheat? Why isnt our family enough for him? Would he really leave us for her?*
Then, an idea struck.
*That woman probably doesnt even know I exist. Well, shes about to find out.*
The front door clicked open.
“Sorry, love. Long day,” Dad called out.
“Your long days used to only happen at months end,” Mum shot back. “Now theyre every other day.”
“Margaret, its just work!”
He came into Emilys room like usual, leaning in for a kiss, but she shoved him away.
“Go eat before it gets cold.”
“Em, whats wrong?”
“Nothing. But what about *you*?”
Dad frowned but didnt push it.
That night, Emily lay awake, plotting. By morning, she had a plan.
She overheard her parents arguingDad was leaving again.
“Where are you off to?” Mum demanded.
“Work. Urgent thing.”
“Its *Saturday*. Spend time with your family.”
“I wont be long. Back by lunch, then well do something.”
Emily pretended to yawn as she stepped out of her room.
“And where are *you* going?” Mum huffed.
“Got a study group. Already late.”
Before Mum could protest, Emily darted into the bathroom.
Dad waited in the hallway. “Ill walk you,” he offered.
Mum called from the kitchen, “At least have some tea!”
“Go ahead, Ill wait,” Dad said, too cheerfully.
Emily gulped her tea and hurried out.
They walked in silence until Dad spoke.
“Are you upset with me?”
“No, Dad. Maybe its just teenage angst.” She hesitated. “I love you, Dad.”
“I love you too, sweetheart.”
“More than anything?”
Dad stiffened but nodded. “More than anything.”
They exchanged strained smiles, neither meeting the others eyes.
“See you at lunch,” Emily said, veering off toward her study groupor so Dad thought.
She doubled back, hiding behind bushes until he passed. Then she followed.
*Please let him go to work.*
But he didnt.
They walked for ages, Dad never once looking back. Finally, he stopped outside a block of flats, pulled out his phone, and called someone.
Five minutes later, a woman stepped out.
*Shes beautiful,* Emily thought bitterly. *Is she really worth more than us?*
The woman kissed Dad, and they walked off arm in arm.
Emily trailed them to a quiet bench, watching as they talked, then kissed. Her chest burned.
When they finally parted, Dad headed home. The woman disappeared into her building.
Emily waited, seething.
Thenher chance. The woman reappeared, carrying a bin bag toward the rubbish bins.
Emily blocked her path.
“Hi,” she said coldly.
The woman blinked. “Can I help you?”
“If you ever see *Vincent* again, Ill make sure you regret it.”
“Who *are* you?”
“His daughter. Call him. Now. Tell him its over.”
The woman hesitated but dialled.
“*Diana, whats wrong?*” Dads voice crackled through.
“Vincent, we cant see each other anymore.”
“*Why?*”
“You have a family. And Im leaving after uni.”
There was a pause. Then “*Alright. Goodbye.*”
Emily marched home.
Dad and Mum were at the table, chatting like nothing had happened.
“Youre in a good mood,” Mum remarked.
Emily smiled. “Dad, do you love me?”
“Of course.”
“And Mum?”
Dad hesitated. Then “Yes. I love your mother too.”
Emily grinned.
And for once, Dad sounded like he meant it.
