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PROLOGUE
At least it’s not raining anymore.
Anyone who grew up here knew a heavy rainstorm was normal weather in Florida. Now that the rain had stopped, allowing the clouds to part and make way for the shining sun to shine, the temperatures had risen.
I took one last glance around the walls of the home I grew up in.
Memories flooded my mind. Overgrown weeds and grass hid the backyard. During my childhood, it was where my brothers and I had played, and it was, most importantly where I sat with my mom.
The floorboards creak a little more underfoot, showing the age of the house. As I turn to the front door, I see my daddy waiting for me.
“Your car’s all loaded up,” Daddy said in a quiet voice.
He may be smiling on the outside, but I know him. The man’s heartbroken that I’ve chosen to leave home and head North for College.
“Thanks, Daddy, I’m coming.” I smiled, then I walked toward him.
He’s waiting for me by the door. Together, we exit the front entry and head down the porch steps. A tear trickles over my cheek, and I swipe it.
“It’s not too late to stay. We have plenty of good schools here.” Daddy wraps his arm around my shoulder and pulls me close.
Glancing at him, I didn’t see what most people saw.
Yes, he’s tall and all muscle. Some would say scary but not me. All I saw was a protective teddy bear. And right now, he’s looking at me with a tear in his blue eyes not wanting to let his little girl go.
My green eyes met his. “Daddy, I’m going. I’ll be back before you even miss me.”
“I already miss you, my sweet girl.” He uses his thumb to wipe one of my tears away.
I had already said my goodbyes early this morning, and now it was just my favorite guy here and me. It was so hard to say goodbye earlier, but it’s killing my heart saying it to my dad.
This big, strong man standing here holds me tighter than he has ever before in my life, making my heart physically hurt.
How am I going to get in my car and drive away?
His hands cup my cheeks, holding my face.
“Baby girl.” his voice hoarse, “You go and show the world what you’re made of. You share your voice with them, and I swear, I’ll be right here just as proud as I’ve always been of you.”
He swipes another tear from my cheek with his thumb.
“You are beautiful.” His voice cracks. “You’re smart. My baby girl is amazing . . . I love you, my sweetheart.”
That’s it.My daddy’s words officially broke my heart.I can’t take anymore.
My knees buckle, but my daddy holds me tight, wrapping his big arms around me. He embraces me until my legs stabilize. But even then, he doesn’t let go.
Once my heart beats normally again, I loosened my hold.
“I love you,” he whispers in my ear, still holding on. “I’m right here whenever you decide to come home.”
Without another word, he releases his grip, turns around, and then walks me to the driver side door.
He opens the door, and I told myself onto the seat. I gaze at him again.
“I love you, Daddy. My voice shakes.
A tear runs down his cheek.
