Angry Bob

So last night I told her how proud I was of her for growing up as well as she has, especially considering the gauntlet of horrid things constantly facing kids these days.

This morning I break down and ask if I could hug the little girl I know before she disappears. She looks at me blankly and says nothing. I walk away knowing this is probably the end, but she surprises me. She comes to sit on my lap and give me a big hug.

I tell her that while she is leaving as a young lady on her great adventure, and as much trouble I have dealing with it, I know it is inevitable she will return a woman. I thank her for letting me hold that little girl one last time.

As she goes I say “Be safe, be true to yourself, have fun, and come home.”

And that, I think to myself, is that. I retreat to the kitchen and try to hold myself together when she unexpectedly comes back in with open arms to give me one last hug and tell me not to worry, she would be home soon.

When she turns to leave I tell her “You never know where life will lead you, so just in case these are my last words to you, I love you.”

She looks back, gives me half a wave and a smile, says “Me too.” The door quietly clicks behind her with a deafening sound that echos throughout the home that has suddenly become just a house.

And then she is gone.