“Eric came to see Grandma. And now that you and Joy are both living here again, maybe… maybe it’s time he saw Joy too.”
No response came right away. Hadley stood there, unsure of what to say, unsure of how to even begin explaining things to Joy, yet here he was, standing right in front of her already. Still, she realized she might never feel ready. What would being prepared even look like?
Instead of waiting for the “perfect” moment, maybe it was best to take this one.
“Okay,” she said at last.
“I’m heading over to see Nyla anyway. You can join me, but wait until I speak with Joy first.”
She needed a moment to gently ease Joy into what was coming.
“Okay.” Eric straightened up, trying to appear composed.
“I’ll wait for your cue.”
“Come on. Let’s get going.”
Leading the way, Hadley moved with purpose.
“Grandma’s not inside the house. She took Joy and Locke to the playground.”
Long summer evenings meant more light, and the cooler evening air made it the best time for children to run around and laugh without wilting in the heat.
The sound of carefree giggles reached them before anything else.
Thanks to his sharp eyesight, Eric spotted the little girl right away—sliding down with delight, her laughter rising with the breeze.
Her face mirrored his own so clearly. And yet, the first time he’d seen her, he hadn’t known who she was. How could he be this ignorant?
“I think it’s better if you wait here a bit,” Hadley said, slowing her pace.
“Sure… alright.” Eric nodded, still nervous.
“Joy.” Hadley stepped toward the slide, carrying a towel in one hand and a sippy cup in the other, arms outstretched.
“Mommy!” With gleeful laughter, Joy came sliding down and flung herself straight into her mother’s arms.
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“You’re absolutely drenched.” Crouching low, Hadley gently wiped the sweat from her daughter’s face before offering her the cup.
“Here. Drink some water.”
“Thanks, Mommy.”
A short distance away, Locke played under the watchful eye of his nanny. Clutching the cup with both hands, Joy sipped eagerly. Her cheeks puffed out like little balloons, flushed from all the running and excitement.
“Sweetheart.” Hadley hesitated for a breath, then spoke gently.
“There’s something I need to talk to you about.”
“Okay.” Joy looked up, blinking curiously.
“What is it?”
“Well…” Hadley inhaled quietly, steadying her voice.
“Do you remember anything about your dad?”
That question made Joy freeze. The color drained from her expression. Her fists balled up instinctively, and a slight tremble appeared on her cheeks.
“Joy.” Hadley gently grasped her daughter’s arm while motioning toward her head.
“Your dad… something happened to his—”
Before she could finish, Joy’s face twisted, and a loud wail burst from her lips.
.
.
.