Struggles of a Single Father (Book 1 of the Struggle Puff Series)

Epilogue

Life.

Love.

The Pursuit of Happiness.

Three things that I've experienced consistently throughout the years.

But what have I learned about it all?

At first it was just that life is going to happen whether you like it or not. Love is going to hit you like a freight train, and not care that it hurt you in the process. And the pursuit of happiness... why even pursue it?

I've been harboring animosity towards these three things because of the hurt I was holding onto for a long time. From Kimberly, my parents, my friends, and even my daughter.

I let that hurt take over me, even though I knew that it would be better to let it go, and at some point or another, I was forced to. It was those moments that defined me the most and made me out to be who I am.

The moment I nodded one final time at my parents after graduation.

Somehow, Jenna and Ichiro also managed to procure tickets, but we didn't speak. I simply nodded from where I was and looked away. And I was alright with that.

When I finally made peace with Kimberly.

I smiled at her and put my arm around her shoulder, "This conversation is what's given me clarity." I said honestly, "I didn't even know I needed it until now. Thank you."

We waved our final goodbyes and as she walked out of my life for the last time, she took all the what ifs with her. Leaving me with a clear mind and a clean slate.

Simple words that mended everything with Tilisia.

Once she got situated on my bed, she looked at me in earnest and said something I've rarely ever heard her say.

"I'm sorry."

Patching things up with Amy before she left.

"Makes sense." I said with a nod. "Anyway, is there a particular reason you wanted me to come over? I mean, it doesn't look like there's a whole lot to help with except maybe packing your suitcase."

"Honestly, I just wanted to talk. The last time we had a conversation with just us was... well..."

"Oh... right." I looked down awkwardly as I thought back to our last personal conversation. Her telling me that she was still in love with me. "I guess it has been sometime. Anything you want to talk about?"

"Not really. I just want to talk to my friend."

It was all these moments that made me take a step back and re-evaluate my look on those three things. It was the realization that I wasn't the main character in everyone's story. It was the knowing that things don't always work out in the end, and that sometimes the end isn't what or when you thought it would be.

It's random. It's unexpected. It's painful. It's beautiful. It's life.

So, I guess what I've really learned about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness is that life is hard, but it's also amazing. Love can hurt, but it'll also be your favorite feeling. And the pursuit of happiness... well, it's still so meaningless to be happy because it's such a fleeting emotion, but in my pursuit of it, I realized that I'd rather find something more permanent than that.

And I'll find it. Maybe not now, but I will.

This isn't the end. It's just the beginning.

The beginning of something amazing.