FATE

67 - Lilly's Hero!

Two weeks later

CHINEDU'S P.OV

I sat down in my study, my curtains wide open as I gazed at the night sky. I listened to the sweet chirping of birds as I lighted a cigarette. My gaze shifted outside, to the field as current happenings in my family filled my mind.

I couldn't stop thinking about her.

My flower.

I named her Lilly, because that was my wife's favourite flower. She was my first daughter, a crown to me and I felt complete with her.

I gave her everything she ever needed.

Or did I?

Everything seemed fine until she turned five and I brought her step mother home. Lilly was my favourite child before the incident, but after that, we drifted apart.

We were no longer close, and I stopped being there.

This time, she was right.

I failed as a father.

I want to run to her and hold her in my arms, and tell her that it is okay; but my pride won't let me.

I want to tell her that am sorry for ruining her life, but I can't.

I want to callm her back home.

Be there for her.

But I can't, she has to face the consequence of her action.

Lilly.

Lilly.

My heart tore.

It's hard enough for me already, why did She have to add to my problems?

I never set a good example but I expected her to be better.

I was proud of her all my life, but right now I am disappointed.

As I scrutinized the field, from the playground to the car park. Images from the past filled my head, as I traveled down memory lane.

Flashback

"Lilly!Lilly!" I ran after my daughter who just saw something.

A butterfly.

She kept running towards the garden, not looking back. Her curls bouncing as she ran.

She was so beautiful and innocent. God's gift to me.

Her yellow sundress was stained with mud, because we were doing some sand work.

Once we were too far from the field, she stopped panting.

I finally caught up to her and hugged her, knowing that she would feel safe in my arms.

She smiled and buried her face in my chest, her fears slowly disappearing.

"I love you daddy."

Lilly was too smart for a five year old. Too smart. She knew way too much than her age.

"I love you too, my baby." I kissed her forehead slowly, and pulled her closely to me, tighter.

Later that night

We had just finished dinner. I was trying to help my wife clear the table, when Lilly kind of stole me away.

She wrapped her tiny little fingers over my index finger, they could barely fit my hand.

"Come daddy, I want to show you something."

She slowly dragged me upstairs, full of life and excitement. Her eyes glittered as we made our way to her room.