Without you. - [Chenford Story]

Chap 10 : They did it.

Tonight was her 18th birthday. It wasn't anything big—just the loved ones. Everyone was gathered in the backyard. Tim sat next to Angela, a beer in his right hand, looking at his daughter.

" Today, more than ever, she looks like Luce..."

"In every way... She grew up too fast. Yesterday, she was my little baby, and now..."

" Now she's dating boys!"

" Don't want to hear about it."

" She's an amazing woman, you know that? You did good with her."

" I tried... She was a tough teen."

" Like father, like daughter."

They laughed. She was like him too, in so many ways. She wasn't a baby anymore. She was a young, independent adult. She had chosen to study Law at UCLA. She didn't want to leave LA—it was her home, the place where she felt safe. She wouldn't admit it, but she didn't want to leave her father either. Their bond was so strong. She needed him as much as he needed her.

Everyone left around 11 p.m. She was surrounded by love—and gifts, too. She was over the moon. Everything was perfect. It was just family tonight, and that was all she needed.

After tidying up a bit, Tim went to his bedroom, took out the box Lucy had made, and added a little something. He placed his 18th letter inside, then walked to Ellie's room. She was old enough now. He knocked on the door.

" Come in, Dad."

"You have a minute?"

"Hm-hm."

"Did you have fun tonight?"

"It was perfect, Dad. Thank you."

"Your mum and I have something for you..."

"Mum?"

"Remember when you were eight or nine, and I gave you a memory stick? Well, it came from this box. Your mum made it for you when you were born—just in case, you know... I gave you that memory stick because you were looking for memories of her. You needed something.

"So, kiddo, inside this box, you'll find more memories from her, from us, from before she died. She left you letters, keepsakes, photos. It's all yours now. And every year since then, on your birthday, I wrote you a letter and put it inside with some photos—just in case, too.

"Happy birthday, Ells."

She smiled as he handed her the box. It was heavy. She didn't know what to say, so she just hugged him. That box was the most precious thing she had.

"And this is for you too."

He handed her a small box. She looked at him, surprised, and carefully opened it. Inside was a ring. That ring.

"This ring has a story. When your mum was my rookie, she was abducted. I found her because of that ring. That day, I realized I was falling in love with her. Since then, she always wore it—like a lucky charm. And now, it belongs to you."

Tears ran down her face as she slipped the ring onto her finger and looked at her dad.

"Thank you, Dad. For all of this. I love you."

"I love you too."

"Dad?"

"Yeah?"

"I need to tell you something."

"Go on..."

"You know I'm supposed to study Law at UCLA in two months... but what if I have something else in mind? What if I want to do something different?"

He looked at her, surprised but reassuring. She took a deep breath.

"I want to be like you and Mum. I want to be a police officer. I want to make a difference. I want to protect my city—you. I can't stop thinking about it. I've felt this way for years. But I was sure you wouldn't let me do it because of Mum..."

"You really want this?"

"Yes."

"Well... you know you're too young right now. You have to be at least 20. So, hear me out—go to UCLA, study Law for two years, and when the time comes, I'll help you. Learning Law will help you every day to do the right thing.