Page 125 of Somewhere You Belong

The old polaroid picture she hands me is faded and singed on the corners, but the little girl standing in the center, holding a duck is still crystal clear.

“Is that…”

“That’s Willow, Dallas. Her parents had that picture with them the day they died. I know she’d want it.”

All I can do is nod slowly. “Yeah, Mom. I think you’re right, yet again.”

***

The next morning, I wake up with a stiff back from passing out on the couch in my mother’s living room, smelling like alcohol and feeling the effects of it as my head pounds. But the first thing that pops into my head when my eyes open is Willow.

I have to make things right.

But before I get very far, an envelope addressed to me sits next to my keys on the counter. My mother is nowhere in sight, so I slide my finger under the seal and extract the folded piece of paper, nearly falling over when I see the writing on the inside.

Dallas,

Son, if you’re reading this, then you now know about the Bayshore house.

I can only hope that your mother was able to explain the situation to you more eloquently than I ever could. Please don’t be mad at her. This was my decision, and as my wife, she supported it because your mother is the kind of woman who loves with all of her heart. She loved me even when I felt like I didn’t deserve it, and she loves you and your siblings with everything she has.

That house belonged to my grandparents. Much of my childhood was spent there, running across the sand, enjoying summers in CarringtonCove. It’s why when I had a family of my own, I knew this was where I wanted to raise them.

I just never knew how difficult being a father would be sometimes.

I wish I had the courage to say these words to your face, but after spending years in heated arguments with you, the last thing I wanted was to get in one last one before I took my last breath. So, I hope you’ll accept this letter from me instead… because the last thing I ever wanted was for you to live with regrets like I have.

I should have told you this years ago, should have understood your decision and supported it instead of fighting with you about it. And even though you may never believe me, I want you to know: I. Am. So. Proud. Of. You.

My son. My firstborn.

You signed up to sacrifice your life for peace, freedom, and your country.

You followed your dreams even when I didn’t want to risk losing you.

And when you returned home, you did the work to live as normal a life after your service as you could.

I’m proud of you.

I love you.

And I hope you can trust that even though our relationship was futile at times, I have never been more honored to be your father.

If Willow doesn’t want the house, ask her if she’ll sell it to you. But selfishly, I hope she keeps it. I hope she falls in love with Carrington Cove. I hope the people here can help her heal like they helped you and me.

And I hope you’ll help her see that.

I love you, Dallas.

Love,

Dad

By the time my eyes find the last word, I can barely see through my tears.

My mother knew I’d need to process this alone, I’m glad because I feel like I’m about to break in two.

My ass finds the couch again as I reread his words, my father giving me what I needed from him when he was alive. But I guess I should be grateful that his words are at least reaching me after his death.

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