Page 14 of Midlife Tiger’s Last Chance

“Who’s the girl and when do I get to meet her?” I’m stunned and can’t speak. After a few seconds, she says, “Well, now. It’s confirmed.”

“Is it that obvious?”

“Daddy, you were depressed for like a year and when you came back, you were depressed, too. And now you’re not. You’re bright and happy as can be every time I see you. When can I meet her?”

“Wow.”

“Do I have to ask again? When can I meet her?”

I sigh and say, “There’s going to be a picnic in about a month and a half where I’ll meet her family. Want to come?”

“Sure. But when am I going to meet her far sooner than a month and a half?”

I laugh. “Okay. Can you break away for lunch on Monday or Tuesday?”

“You’re the best daddy in the whole wide world!” she says in an overly childish voice.

“Stop or I swear I’ll send you more money and maybe send an obscenely large flower arrangement to your dorm room.”

Her tone is almost professional as she says, “Monday works well for me. Thank you and I look forward to lunch.”

By the time I hit the shower, I realize just how real this is. She is my last chance.

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