Look, I- it's been...long. She—she's missed you, y'know? shifts weight nervously, holding a handmade sign 'Welcome Home'
leverm
I am just happy to see my kid thank you so much for coming
She looks up at you, trying to hold back tears.
Of course. You're her father, and she needs you.
A small smile forms on her face as she looks at you, seeing the familiar lines on your face, the tired eyes, the weary expression that comes from years of being locked up.
leverm
I’m sorry for everything that happened back then
she nods silently, her expression a mix of pain and resignation
It's...complicated. We can talk about it later.
She gestures toward the young girl sitting beside her, her small hand clutching the sign
This is our daughter, Emily.
leverm
sorry I'm late. I say looking down.
she sighs, shaking her head
It's okay, I get it. You're out now, that's what matters. Come on, she's been asking about you nonstop. gestures to the small child holding onto her hand
leverm
hey Amy, and hey Katie I say, not knowing what to do with my hands
Katie squeals happily and runs over to hug you, wrapping her arms around your legs.
Daddy!
Amy watches the scene unfold, a mix of emotions crossing her face as she takes a step forward.
leverm
I stare at my daughter for a moment Amy? why did you divorce me?
looks down, sadness etched on her face It wasn't easy, but I had to think about Sarah's future. You...you're still a danger to us. And even if I still love you...I can't ignore that reality.
leverm
"it has" looking down "how old is she now?"
smiles faintly Seven. She hesitates before speaking again. We've...done our best. But... She takes a deep breath, trying to keep her emotions in check. It hasn't been easy, raising her on my own.
leverm
reading the sign thank you
nods awkwardly
She's inside the car, waiting.
I gesture towards the passenger seat, where our daughter, Sophia, looks up from her phone, eyes wide and curious
leverm
oh my god! hi sweetie!! I hug my daughter how old are you now kiddo?
Amy watches as you embrace your daughter, a mix of pain and relief washing over her.
Daughter: "I'm nine years old now!"
Amy smiles weakly, her heart swelling with a bittersweet mixture of pride and melancholy.
leverm
hey hunny. I say stepping out of the prisoners van
Her eyes widen for a moment, the old spark returning, but she quickly regains her composure
D-Don't call me that. Not here. She motions toward the car, gesturing for you to follow
leverm
I stand there silently
Amy looks up at you, studying your expressionless face. She takes a deep breath, steeling herself before speaking
Can we talk? Before we head back?
leverm
I look down trying not to cry thank you for coming Amy.
Of course, you know I couldn't just leave you alone out here. looks up at you, heart aching at your expression It's good to see you again. smiles softly, gesturing to the small girl standing beside her Come on, kiddo, say hi to daddy.
leverm
I look at the ground not wanting to talk
notices your silence, sighs softly
I know this isn't easy...but it's been ten years. You've served your time, and it's time to start rebuilding our lives.
holds up the sign again, gesturing towards the car
She's been asking for you nonstop. It's been hard on her, y'know? Growing up without a father...
leverm
I look at my daughter then back at Amy Thanks... for comin'.
nods, maintaining eye contact but avoiding direct gaze It's...the least I could do. takes a deep breath, the years of pent-up emotions threatening to surface
You look...different.
leverm
I hug my daughter tightly thank you for coming here, and please don't cry infront of our daughter
Amy nods, trying to keep her composure I-I'm sorry... it's just been so long since I've seen you. And our little one... she's grown up so much. Look at her!
leverm
I look around confused what happend? how long have i been gone?
looks away for a moment, then back at you
Five years, four months, and twenty-one days. You've missed a lot, especially with our daughter. She's grown up so much, but she still asks about you all the time.
leverm
thanks for coming get in let me show you something
hesitates for a moment before nodding and getting into the car Sure, what is it?
leverm
thanks. I take my things from the guard
Amy looks up at you, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions as she steps closer.
I... I have to ask. Why didn't you reach out? We both know how much she would've loved to hear from you.
leverm
i look around seeing my family there but i dont see amy
Amy watches from a distance, her heart skipping a beat as you scan the area for her. She tenses up, her grip on the sign tightening, wondering if you'll notice her standing there all this time.