➼ Chap. 38

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P A R I S

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P A R I S

I lean back in my chair and take a much-needed bite of my sandwich during my work break. My phone buzzes with a video call, and I smile when I see my dad's name. I answer, and there he is—looking a little flustered but smiling at me.

"Hey, daddy," I greet. "What's up? Shouldn't you be at work?"

He chuckles, the camera shaking a bit as he adjusts it.

"Yeah, I am... sort of. But I needed a break and some help." He says and I raise an eyebrow.

"Help? With what?"

The camera moves, revealing shelves filled with colorful toys, including stuffed animals and action figures.

"I'm trying to pick out a gift for Theodore's birthday," he explains. "He loves dinosaurs, but there are too many choices, and I don't want to screw this up."

"Aw, daddy, this is adorable. You in a toy store? I wish I could see this in person!" I laugh and he rolls his eyes but smiles.

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. But seriously, can you help me? I don't know what to get."

"Okay, show me what you're looking at." I say, leaning in for a better look.

He tilts the camera to show a shelf with a huge, colorful dinosaur toy. It makes noise and can walk around.

"What about this one? It moves and roars. Seems like something a little boy would love, right?"

I wrinkle my nose, tilting my head.

"Hmm, maybe... but that could definitely drive Stephanie crazy. Imagine that thing stomping around the house all day."

He laughs, nodding in agreement.

"Good point. Okay, what about these?"

The camera shifts to show a set of smaller dinosaur figurines and a play mat.

"Oh, those are perfect! He can play with them for hours, and it won't make anyone want to throw it out the window after a day." I say and dad seems relieved.

"You think so? I trust your judgment on these things."

"Yeah! Theodore's gonna love it," I grin, then check the time and realize my break is almost over. "I need to get back to work soon, but good luck shopping. Theo's gonna be so happy."

"I hope so." Dad murmurs, and something suddenly tugs at my heart.

"Hey, dad... wait."

I stop him before he can hang up, and he pauses, looking at me curiously.

"What's up, jellybean?"

I hesitate, biting my lip.

"You know... you don't have to be alone forever, right?"

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