She lifted her chin and met Alexander’s eyes, her voice calm but edged with distance. “When you’re ready to be honest, that’s when you can come talk to me.”
With that, she took Niki’s hand and turned for the door.
Niki looked back at Alexander, her wide eyes welling with tears she could no longer hold back. But she said nothing, just followed Danielle out of the hospital room.
The door clicked softly behind them, shutting out the world—and with it, the two people Alexander had ached for night after night.
He stayed exactly as he was, frozen, for a long time. Only after what felt like ages did a single hot tear slide from the corner of his eye, falling onto the blanket and leaving a dark, spreading stain.
—
Danielle led Niki down the hall.
Niki’s face was troubled, her whole mood heavy and subdued.
Noticing her daughter’s distress, Danielle crouched down and gently ruffled her hair. “I told you he wouldn’t answer your questions,” she said softly. “Have you always wanted to go out and play with your dad, to live with him?”
Niki bit her lip. “Dad must have done a lot of things wrong for you not to want to live with him. I want to stay with you, Mom.”
She hesitated, voice hitching as she fought to keep her composure. “But when I see other kids with their dads, I get a little jealous.”
Danielle’s heart ached for her.
No matter how hard she tried, she could never make up for the absence of a father’s love. After all, it was Alexander—even with his coldness—whom Niki longed for.
“Seeing him today gave me some answers,” Niki said quietly. “I do wish I could have a dad like the other kids, but I know now mine could never be like that.”
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