Page 118 of My Family

"He is." I pause, not sure how to explain Griff. "He's fair. Tough but fair."

My dad nods like he understands, though I know he doesn't.

How could he?

Griff exists in a universe my dad has never had to navigate.

"I'm sorry," he says, finally looking at me. "I'm so damn sorry, Liam."

"It's not your fault. I'm here because of my own actions," I say.

Even I'm surprised by the words coming out of my mouth. Look at me, taking damn accountability.

He shakes his head.

"I could have been a better father. I'm saving up. For when you come home."

When, not if.

The word hits me hard.

So ridiculously fucking hard.

When you come home.

"Thanks, Dad. Let's just enjoy the day. Not think about bad stuff," I tell him, smiling, trying with all my might not to cry. "Besides, I like it here. I have friends! You gotta meet everybody."

"I'd like that," he says.

I scan the crowd and spot Jack with his family under the big oak. They're talking animatedly, Jack's hands moving the way they do when he's excited about something.

His sister keeps bouncing the toddler on her hip, readjusting him whenever he grabs at her earring.

"Come on," I say to my dad. "I want you to meet my friend Jack."

We walk across the yard, navigating around a group of kids playing tag and a counselor trying to organize a volleyball game.

As we get closer, I can hear Jack's voice rising with excitement.

"…and then the equipment will all be new, and we can start planning events…!"

"Liam!"

Jack spots me and waves frantically.

"Dude, come here! My sister saved the shop!"

I approach with my dad following behind me. Jack's smile is as wide as usual.

"This is my dad, Thomas," I say, gesturing behind me. "Dad, this is Jack."

"Nice to meet you, sir," Jack says, suddenly formal in a way that makes me want to laugh.

He extends his hand, and my dad shakes it.

"And this is Jack's mom, Berenice," I continue, nodding toward the woman standing beside him. She's shorter than Jack, with the same warm brown eyes.

She's wearing jeans and a blouse that looks like she ironed it especially for today.