She became my entire world.
***
Fifteen years passed like a single held breath.
Now I was standing on a step stool in the dining room, hanging streamers while a barbecue smoked on the back patio. Lily was turning 18.
« Dad, those are crooked. »
« They’re artistic, » I said.
« They’re crooked. »
She grinned at me from the doorway, phone in one hand, and I felt something warm and steady behind my ribs. My kid. My whole world.
« Dad, those are crooked. »
I climbed down and squeezed her shoulder. « You happy? »
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