The Foreigner

Chapter 15

My daughter has already become a woman. It was all so fast. Looks like yesterday I saw that little girl in curls playing with dolls. Yeah, I didn't even see her grow right. I didn't pay her attention. And now she already has her own family. And yet she cares about me, a father who never gave her affection. She is a great woman. And that is not my merit.

While rambling on these thoughts, she quickly makes my snack and serves me. I eat drinking coffee. I haven't felt that way in a long time, beware.

-Thanks.

-You're welcome. - She smiles

- Motherhood is doing you good. You are radiant.

Awkwardly, she lowers her head.

-Thank you Dad. I didn't expect such a compliment.

-Normal. I never expressed any admiration for you.

She doesn't know how to react to my words. Her cell phone rings.

-Hi honey. - She answers. - I'm still at my father's house. Yes, he is fine. -I look disdainful at my son-in-law's false concern for me. -Leave it to me. In a little while I'm going, I won't be long. Ok honey. Take care, bye. - She hangs up

-You already have to leave, right daughter?

-I can stay for a few minutes. If you want it.

-Of course I want. Daughter, I need to tell you something ... And I don't even know where to start.

-What dad? You can talk. I'm listening to you carefully.

I lower my head and cover my face with my hand. I get up trying to look her in the eye.

-Cat, I was never the father you deserved. You are a wonderful daughter. I was stupid not to realize that.

-Dad...

-Maybe I didn't deserve to have a daughter like you. Have a family like ours. I let it all slip so easily. - She bows her head. -Do you remember when you had a school performance? And you kept waiting for me and I didn't go? You were very upset because I was the only father who wasn't there.

She shakes her head positively.

-And your mother? -I continue. -A wonderful wife. An unbelievable mother.

She lifts her head. With tears in her eyes.

-She dedicated herself to both you and me. And I couldn't help losing it. -She cries sobbing. -It was my entire fault daughter.

-No dad. No one could avoid that. No one was to blame.

-As much as you say no, I'll always carry that blame.

-It's no use blaming yourself now. This will not change the past. It will only hurt you.

-I know it. But now I can do different with you. I can try to compensate with you and Penelope.

-Sure daddy! You can visit us at any time. And Bob will appreciate your visit.

-Daughter, anyway ... I want to apologize to you. Forgive me for not coming to your performance, forgive me for not celebrating with you when you graduated. Forgive me for not being the father you deserved. -Now I have tears in my eyes.

-Dad-she cries excited -I forgive you. I forgive you. - we hug each other. I feel her head on my chest. It is the most comforting hug of my life.