Page 166 of The Widower
“I can feel happiness, and now I know that to truly live, you have to pay attention to the little things…”
COLIN ADAMS
6 YEARS LATER
The last few years have been full of happiness and achievements.
We now have the newest architect in the family—and she’s an absolute handful!
Kidding aside, Isabelle graduated top of her class, and she poured herself into school these past years. Like I’ve said before, getting good grades alone doesn’t guarantee success—practice is everything.
I promised to support her in whatever she needed, and from what I’ve seen, my wife has a real gift; she expresses herself so well.
As for my life, not much has changed. Well, that’s not quite right—what I mean is I’m still working, still doing my best to give my kids the attention they deserve. Every day I make a point of showing the woman I chose for this journey how much I love her, and now I’m absolutely certain I made the right choice.
I enrolled Joshua and Hanna in the same school, and right now they’re squabbling over something I can’t quite make out.
“Stop being annoying, Joshua,” Hanna said.
“Oh, come on…”
“What’s up, kids?” I asked.
“He’s jealous of me, Dad,” Hanna said faster than Joshua, flashing a mischievous smile.
“Really?” I raised an eyebrow and turned to Joshua.
“Yeah, right, kiddo. I’ve got better things to do.”
“You’re always watching me at recess. I’m pretty, Joshua, and the boys look at me.”
She’s as pretty as her mother—the way she talks is the same too.
“It’s just that… I notice everything. That’s all. And… uh, I’m tired of this.”
Joshua stomped out of the room a little annoyed.
“You like annoying your brother.”
“I love him, and I know Joshua loves me too, but I do like teasing him. He used to mess with my dolls, and I’m vindictive.”
“You scare me sometimes.”
“I’m a good kid, Dad.” — She hugged me.
As time went on, Hanna got more affectionate with me.Since she didn’t have a present father for a long while, I think she’d missed having a dad figure in her life.
“I know. And in a bit you’ll be chatting with your brother again.”
“Oh, I’m actually going to go bug him a little more right now.”
I laughed.
“Go on then, sweetheart.”
I watched my little girl leave the room with a smile, and it made me so happy—especially after everything that’s happened these last years.
From across the room I saw Isabelle walking toward me, a huge smile lighting up her face.
