Chapter 48 - the last conversation with her father
Claire's father became ill in his later years.
It was not sudden.
It was gradual.
He remained sharp for a long time.
One evening, Claire sat beside him in the garden.
The same garden where Chloe had once taken her first steps.
He looked toward the lake.
"You built something beautiful."
Claire smiled.
"We built it."
He shook his head.
"No."
He looked at her.
"I gave you resources."
He pointed toward the house.
"But you gave those resources meaning."
Claire took his hand.
"I'm scared."
"I know."
"I don't want to lose you."
He squeezed her fingers.
"You can't stop time."
Claire looked down.
"I know."
"But you can decide what you do with it."
She leaned against his shoulder.
"Do you regret anything?"
He thought for a moment.
"I regret thinking money could protect my family from pain."
Claire looked at him.
"But?"
"But watching you turn pain into purpose taught me something."
"What?"
"Protection isn't preventing someone from being hurt."
He smiled.
"It's making sure they know how to stand afterward."
Claire cried quietly.
Her father kissed her forehead.
"You'll be okay."
She whispered,
May you like
"I know."
Because this time, she believed it.
