I stayed in my room after cleaning, listening to the rain tapping against the windows.
Every faint noise outside made me lift my head, expecting him. Another check of the clock confirmed it..it was getting too late.
I tried to convince myself he wasn't coming, but the restlessness made it impossible to sit still.
At some point, I drifted out into the living room, pretending to fix things that were already perfect.
I adjusted a picture frame. Straightened a cushion.
The rain got heavier.
Eventually, the doorbell rang. My heart jumped so fast.
By the time I reached the door, my hands were already shaking.
I pulled it open…
"Dad!" The word came out before I could stop it.
He just stood there, completely soaked. The rain was dripping off the ends of his hair and trailing down his face, and his coat looked heavy with all that water. He looked older…tired, even, but it was still so clearly him.
For a second, I felt that huge weight in my chest just… vanish.
I stepped forward, already reaching for him.
But before I could touch him…Kane brushed past me. "Dad!" He wrapped his arms around him first, pulling him into a hug like he'd been waiting all day for it.
My hands hovered in the air for a second. Then slowly dropped. I stood there, watching.
Watching my dad smile.
"Look at you," he said, laughing softly as he patted Kane's back. "You've grown."
"It's only been a year," Kane grinned.
"A lot can change in a year."
I swallowed.
Yeah. It can.
Dad stepped inside, shrugging out of his damp raincoat. As it slid off his shoulders, he just tossed it over the back of a chair near the door.
Finally, Dad looked away from Kane and actually saw me. "Oh…Eli," he said.
That was it. No smile, just confirmation that I was, in fact, still in the room.
I forced a small smile. "Hi Dad."
He gave a short nod. "You've grown."
"Yeah."
He looked away, and walked towards the room.
I stepped aside to let them pass.
Kane was still beside him, talking, laughing, carrying his bag like it meant something.
It'sfine. I told myself. I don't need a big moment. I'll just… talk to him later.
Maybe even… ask him to visit Mom in her resting place.
"Eli, don't just stand there. Take the rest of the bags." Her voice snapped through my thoughts.
I nodded quickly. "Okay."
——
Dinner was already set.
The table looked… full. Carefully arranged.
I couldn't remember the last time she cooked like this.
Before I sat, I slipped quietly toward the corner.
"Poppy…"
She looked up the moment I crouched down.
"Hey baby," I murmured softly, reaching for her bowl.
"I didn't forget."
I poured her food, quietly. She nudged my fingers as she started eating. I let out a small breath.
"Eli," my stepmom called, smiling as she gestured to the table. At me. "Sit."
I stood up slowly and took my seat.
This was new. She didn't have to pretend because dad was around.
Dad had already freshened up, now sitting at the head of the table.
"So," he began, glancing around. "How are things here?"
"Everything is fine," she answered quickly. "I've been taking care of the house."
Dad nodded, looking satisfied. "Everything looks good."
I picked up my fork, poking the food. I was not really hungry.
They started talking. About the house. Repairs. Bills. Things that needed fixing.
Then he turned to Kane. "And you? Preparing for college?"
Kane straightened a little. "Yes, Dad. I've been studying hard."
I lowered my gaze to my plate.
Studying hard?
That was the last thing he did.
He spent most of his time playing games, watching movies, doing anything but opening a book.
I almost scoffed. But I kept quiet. Like always.
"Good," my dad said, clearly pleased. "Keep it up."
"So Eli," Dad said.
I looked up.
"How's college?"
"It's fine." I nodded. "I'm surviving."
"What are you studying?"
"Sculpture."
The word had barely left my mouth before his expression changed.
"Huh?" He leaned back slightly, frowning. "Sculpture?"
Something cold settled in my chest. "Yes?"
He scoffed, shaking his head. "You mean I've been sending college funds for you to study sculpture?"
I froze. "What?!"
His hand gestured toward her. "You didn't tell him that's what he's studying."
I turned to my stepmom. Looking confused. "What is he talking about?"
She didn't answer.
"But… you told me there was no money," my voice tightened. "You said he stopped sending anything. You even took the one I saved."
"Eli!" she snapped, standing up immediately. "Don't lie like that in front of your father!"