I knew his tour was ending soon, but hearing it’s only ten days away makes my stomach flip.
Will he be bringing her to school every day? How will the community react to having him here?
So many things fly through my mind.
But the biggest one of all is,How am I going to breathe knowing my own broken dreams are living just down the street?
I’ve been able to survive here, going about my life, with no memories or reminders of what was lost. It’s such a different world that I’ve tried to forget it even exists.How am I going to deal with it smacking me across the face every day?
I turn to Cailin, who’s still grinning from ear to ear as she watches her dad hop in a car waiting for him.
I guess only time will tell what happens. I just hope I have enough strength to pull through again.
6
Sarah
My mom greets me at the door when I enter the church. “How did last night go?” Her hands are clasped in front of her chest in excitement. The father-daughter dance was always her favorite too.
“So cute.” I sigh. “All the girls in their fancy dresses still make me smile.”
“Me too! I think I miss that dance most of all.”
We walk to the back to put my stuff down as I tell her all about the night, leaving out the part of our famous visitor. That could open up a can of worms, so it’s not worth even bringing up.
When we make our way back, Cailin comes running up, giving me a hug.
“Well, good morning,” I say. “Did you have fun last night?”
“I did!” She grins when she pulls back. “I still can’t believe my daddy made it. Best surprise ever!” She swings her arms out wide to the sides in celebration.
Linda makes her way over to us. “Good morning, Miss Russo.”
“Hello. I’d like to introduce you to my mom, Sandra.”
They exchange pleasantries before I turn my attention toward Cailin.
“Would you like to stay after church today and work on a song with me to sing next week?”
Her eyes light up, and when she turns to Linda in shock, my heart melts.
She folds her hands in front of her as she asks for permission, “Can I?”
Linda’s lips spread into a huge smile. “I’m sure we can make that happen.”
“Yay!” Cailin raises her hands above her head and cheers.
“Okay, take a seat, and I’ll find you afterward.”
After the service, Linda and Cailin are waiting by the back for me.
I approach her with my arm outstretched. “Here, come with me up onstage.”
Cailin’s quick to grip my hand and make her way up the two stairs to where a piano sits.
“Have you ever played?” I ask as I sit beside her.
“No, but I’ve seen my daddy play.”
