Page 30 of A Game as Old as Time

“My girls!” He flashed a phony smile to hide his clear grief. Melissa ushered in the soup to greet him. “Dinner!” he squeaked, and he made his way over, pecking her sister on the forehead. “You girls did not have to make me dinner!”

Stop it, Daddy.

He did the same to Hailey, not giving either of them a chance to say anything before he headed directly for the sink in the kitchen to wash up.

For the two girls, this routine was typical. But tonight, Hailey could feel that something was different. Her father stood by the sink for a minute, washing his hands before grabbing a towel and turning.

“So…” He threw the cloth down. “What movie are we watching tonight?”

This is not good.

He slowly made his way over and grabbed the bowl of soup from Melissa.

“Daddy?” Hailey asked as he dropped onto the chair. “Are you OK?”

He played with the spoon for a moment, and the pause allowed Melissa to ease in by Hailey’s side.

“Fine, sweetheart.”

He beamed a fake smile and took one spoonful of soup before setting the bowl on the table next to him.

Something is wrong.

“Maybe,” he said, flipping the TV on, “we can watch your favorite movie.” Hailey’s eyes were fixed on her father as he continued to press buttons on the remote. “You can show me what part you will be playing so I can get ready for the play.”

Hailey swung her legs off the couch and leaned in.

“Daddy.” Her voice was soft, and he finally looked over at her. She stared into his eyes; the agony was clear. “Are you sure you are OK?”

His gaze remained on her for a moment before moving slowly to her sister. They sat in silence as the TV softly played in the background.

“Fine Hails, just fine.”

His voice made her heart sink into her stomach.

He is not fine.

Her chest was tightening. Each breath was getting harder and harder to take as she watched her father stand up and slink toward therefrigerator.

It is just a stupid game!

She jumped up and followed him into the kitchen. Her father was bent over, the light from the refrigerator gleaming out onto the floor.

“Daddy?” His arm dropped from the door, forcing her to hastily slide in.

He had his hands on his knees. His head hung as he took a deep breath. As she inched closer, the light that beamed on his face showed something that shook her to the core.

He’s crying!

“Daddy!” she screamed, wrapping him up tight in her arms.

Oh god!

The patter of Melissa’s feet echoed through the kitchen. The alarm in Hailey’s voice had alerted her that something was wrong.

“Dad!” she exclaimed softly, jumping around the aluminum door and grabbing his hand.

At first, he said nothing. Hailey could hear no sobs, but his body shook. Finally, he turned and collapsed onto the floor, his back pushed up against the open refrigerator.

---