Emily and her friend strolled through the park when they suddenly spotted a man and a woman embracing. He whispered something in her ear, and the woman smiled blissfully. Emily stared at them with wide eyes, unable to look away. “Emily, what’s wrong? Emily!” her friend exclaimed. “It’s nothing. Let’s go,” Emily muttered abruptly. The girls said their goodbyes, and as Emily walked home, she couldn’t shake the feeling that what she’d seen was impossible. “Dad, how could you? How could you do this to Mum?” She refused to believe her own eyes.
Earlier, Emily and her friend Liz had finished their classes. Not eager to head home, Emily suggested, “Liz, let’s take a walk in the park!” “Alright, while it’s still light out,” Liz agreed. The park wasnt exactly on their way, but why not enjoy the evening?
They wandered down the tree-lined path, casting envious glances at happy couples lost in each others company. No one paid them any mind.
Turning onto a quieter lane, they saw the couple againthe man whispering, the woman glowing with happiness. Though his back was turned, his age was unmistakable. Liz barely glanced at them, but then she noticed Emily frozen, eyes locked on the pair.
“Emily, whats gotten into you? Emily!”
“I just Never mind. Lets go,” Emily snapped, striding ahead.
They left the park in silence, Emily lost in thought. The girls parted ways, each heading home.
Emily walked slowly, head bowed, the scene replaying in her mind. It couldnt be real.
That womans radiant face, the man murmuring sweet nothingsoblivious, even to his own daughter?
“Dad, how could you? I always believed you were perfect. And now this? I wouldnt have believed it if I hadnt seen it myself,” she thought bitterly.
Emily arrived home late.
“Sit down, dinners ready!” her mother grumbled. “You and your fathernever on time.”
“Just a second, Ill wash my hands,” Emily replied awkwardly.
She lingered in the bathroom. When she emerged, her father still wasnt home. She ate quietly, then retreated to her room.
She opened her laptop, but her mind was elsewhere. That moment in the park haunted her. She didnt want to believe it.
“Thats my dad. Is lying and betrayal just normal for adults? Whats missing in his life? Would he really leave Mum and me for” A sharp idea struck her.
“Does that woman even know I exist? Does she think Id just hand him over?”
The front door creaked open.
“Sorry, love! Rough day,” her father called.
“Lately, every days a rough one,” her mother retorted, tension rising.
“Jane, not now!”
As usual, he peeked into Emilys room for a kiss, but she pushed him away.
“Go, before your dinner gets cold!”
“Sweetheart, whats wrong?”
“Nothings wrong with me. What about you?”
Her father studied her, hesitating before heading to the kitchen.
Emily stayed in her room all evening, plotting how to win her father back. She fell asleep with the plan in mind and woke to her parents voices.
“William, where are you off to?”
“Work. Its urgent.”
“Its Saturdaycouldnt you spend it with your family?”
“I wont be long. Back by lunch, and well do something together.”
Emily emerged, feigning a yawn. “Where are you going?” her mother demanded.
“Mum, Ive got classes. Im already late.”
“Honestly,” her mother huffed. “Both of you, always busy.”
Emily vanished into the bathroom.
She hurriedly got ready, finding her father waiting in the hall. He smiled. “Let me walk you to class, love.”
“Emily, at least have some tea!” her mother called from the kitchen.
“Go on, Ill wait,” her father said warmly, as if sensing her silent accusation.
Emily gulped her tea and dashed out. “Lets go, Dad!”
They walked in silence until he spoke first.
“Sweetheart, are you upset with me?”
“No, Dad. Just teenage stuff, I guess.” She hesitated. “I love you, Dad.”
“I love you too, darling.”
“More than anything?”
She noticed him stiffen, eyeing her suspiciously, but he replied, “More than anything.”
They smiled but avoided each others gaze.
“Thats my stop, Dad. See you at lunchyou promised wed spend the day together.”
Emily walked toward her classes, then doubled back, hiding behind bushes. Making sure he didnt glance back, she followed.
She still hoped hed go to work, but he took a different route.
They walked for ages. He never once looked back. Finally, he stopped near a house, pulled out his phone, and made a call.
A woman emerged minutes later. Emily couldnt help but admire her. “Shes beautiful,” she gasped. “Is she really worth more to him than Mum and me?”
The woman kissed him, and they strolled off arm in arm.
The unfamiliar neighbourhood was quiet. They entered a small garden, sat on a bench, and talked. Emily watched from afar. The conversation seemed seriousuntil the long kiss.
Emilys heart ached as she stared.
They returned to the house. Another kiss, another smile. Her father left; the woman disappeared inside.
Emily lingered, debating her next move. She wanted one thingto confront this woman alone.
Then she saw her reappear, carrying a rubbish bag to the bins. Emily pounced.
“Hi!” She blocked the womans path.
“Hello?” The woman frowned. “Can I help you?”
“Listen. If you ever see William again, Ill make sure you regret it.”
“Excuse me? Who are you?”
“Did I stutter?”
“What do you want?”
“I think I was clear. Give me your phone.”
The woman handed it over.
“Call him. Tell him its over. Im his daughter. And he loves my mother!”
The woman dialled. Emily heard her fathers voice.
“Diana, whats wrong?”
“William, we cant see each other anymore.”
“Why?”
“Its not working. You have a family, and Im leaving town after uni.”
“Diana, if thats really” Emily detected relief in his tone.
“Its final, William. Dont call or come by again.”
“Alright, Diana. Goodbye.”
When Emily returned home, her parents were chatting peacefully over lunch.
“Why so cheerful?” her mother grumbled.
“Hungry?”
“Starving!”
“Sweetheart, why the sudden good mood?” her father asked.
“Dad, do you love me?”
“Of course.”
“And Mum?”
A pause. Then, firmly:
“I love your mother too.”
“Truly, I love you both!” he repeated, beaming.
