Page 144 of If Ever

"Because I wanted him to approve of me. I thought maybe he'd love me if I was more like him." Tears well up in her eyes again and she sniffs back her cry. "What's wrong with me that my own father doesn't love me?"

I regret not slugging the guy when I had the chance. "Shh. There's nothing wrong with you. This is all on him."

"All I ever wanted was his love."

"I know. But I love you." And God I hope it's enough.

She turns her glistening eyes on me. "I love you, too."

Huddled together she drinks her hot chocolate until I eventually feel her body warm up against me.

"Thank you for the wonderful day. I'm sorry I ruined it."

"You didn't ruin anything, and you're going to be okay." But I don’t think she hears me as she stares into the distance.

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