Chapter 36

• The familiar heat of the weather touched my skin when I came out of the airport. I was wearing a black crop top shirt underneath my denim jacket that was hanging loosely on my back shoulders, paired with my ripped fitted jeans—which made me look sophisticated. The sunlight hit the concrete, warming my skin and making my eyes squint slightly, but I didn’t mind. I roamed my eyes around and a small smile plastered on my lips when I saw my father. The sight of him grounded me in a way I hadn’t expected, a sense of relief washing over me that maybe, just maybe, things could be alright again.
• He was standing by the side of his car, waiting for my arrival. He didn't notice me yet because he was focused on typing on his phone, his brows furrowed slightly, signaling the focus that had always been a part of him. I started walking toward him, my suitcase rolling softly against the cement. My heels made a noise every time I stepped, echoing faintly in the quiet of the parking area, and the wheels of the suitcase I was carrying added another layer of sound, almost like a countdown to our reunion. When I was only two meters away from Daddy, he looked up at me. His eyes widened slightly, and he quickly straightened up and greeted me with a smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes.
• "Welcome back," he murmured as he gave me a hug.