Page 77 of Manacled Hearts

“Hi, Daddy.”

CHAPTER 17

EVELYN

I was desperate to leave this room, to keep this private, but I don’t have time to fight Finnigan. Not when my father is experiencing a rare moment of lucidity.

“Hi, Daddy.” I barely suppress the emotions shaking my voice.

“Hi, my sweet Evie.” His voice turns my legs to jelly, and I feel around me until I find the edge of the bed again.

“I miss you, Daddy. So much.”

“Come see me. It’s been so long…”

It has. Months. Maya and I used to go see him every week. More often if the nurses told us over the phone that he was having a good week, when he was actually remembering us. We tried to avoid the weeks when he remembered that the love of his life, our mom, is dead. I wanted to be there to hold him through it, even if he didn’t know who I was, but I couldn’t put Maya through it.

She didn’t understand why Daddy was angry, why he didn’t know who she was. Especially since his Alzheimer’s has been getting progressively worse in the last year. I had to protect her, no matter how much it hurt not to be able to see my only living parent.

“I can’t right now, but I promise I’ll come soon.”

“Why not, sweet Evie? Today feels perfect. The sun seems to be shining for the first time in weeks. Maybe longer.” He trails off and I wander with him, my gaze going out the window, toward the back of the house where Maya is playing outside with her new friend—Aaro.

“Maya and I had to leave town for a bit, Daddy. But we’re doing well.”

“Why? Where are you?”

“On the South coast. We’re safe, I promise. We’re staying with—” I turn my head until Finnigan hits my line of sight, and my breath hitches when I catch the unfamiliar worry in his eyes. “Friends. We’re safe. Maya’s happy.” I turn back to look out the window at my sister playing with the curly-haired little boy.

“Is she? You’re so good with her, she’s so lucky to have you. I’m so sorry I’m not there to take care of you… I’m so sorry, my sweet Evie.”

I choke up, swallowing unshed tears. He hasn’t been this lucid in so long, and I’m not there to experience it in person. To hug him. Hold him. For him to hold me. Like he used to. Rubbing a big hand down my hair, kissing the top of my head. He made me feel so safe. Even as his memories of me were drifting away.

“You’re the best dad ever, you’re always with us. No matter the distance.”

“Oh, I love you, honey.”

“Love you too, Daddy.”

“But, why are you there, sweet Evie? It’s thousands of miles away.”

“I found better work here with the help of friends, and a good school for Maya.” Technically the first part is true—my job at Lulu’s Café is great, and higher paid for sure.

I hate lying to my father, even if he’s likely to forget this conversation by the end of the week. Maybe even the day. It feels disrespectful.

“Okay honey. I trust you. If you thought that was the best for your sister and you. When are you coming back?”

“We’ll come home soon, Daddy.”

At those words I hear shuffling behind me, and I tense.

“Once we finish here, we’ll be back, and we’ll come straight to see you.”

“I can’t wait. It’s been too long.”

I don’t miss the change in his voice. I’ve heard it enough to recognize it and I wonder if I have any time left.

“Do you want to speak to Maya?” I ask, a hint of hope lifting my tone.

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