Chapter 6 - Lily’s Letter to Her Dad
Two years after Florida, Lily turned twelve.
Tony bought her a bicycle.
I objected.
“She hasn't ridden in years.”
“Exactly.”
“What if she falls?”
“Then she falls.”
“Tony.”
He looked at me.
“She gets to fall.”
I understood.
Healthy children fall.
Healthy children scrape knees.
Healthy children scare their mothers for ordinary reasons.
Lily rode three houses down before crashing into a hedge.
She emerged laughing.
Tony cheered.
I nearly had a heart attack.
That night, Lily gave Tony an envelope.
He looked suspicious.
“What is this?”
“A letter.”
“Am I in trouble?”
“Probably.”
He opened it.
I watched his face.
Then he stopped reading.
“What?” I asked.
He handed it to me.
Dear Dad,
I remember asking you if you wished I was really yours.
You told me I already was.
I believed you, but I didn't understand until later.
A father isn't the person who gives you his DNA.
A father is the person who carries you when you can't walk.
Who works when he's tired.
Who holds your hand in the ocean.
Who stays when things are scary.
You never replaced my biological father.
You gave me another father.
I hope someday I can love somebody as much as you love me.
P.S. Mom told me about the bracelet. You are terrible at keeping secrets.
Tony wiped his face.
Lily grinned.
“Florida allergies?”
May you like
He pulled her into his arms.
“Definitely.”
