“How is it better?” She looks at me pointedly.
“One day you’ll look back and think this is the best day of your life.” I open my arms and put on a wide smile, mimicking excitement.
“Are you seriously trying to make me feel worse?”
“This is what my gram told me on my first day.” I remember how much I hated Gram’s words that morning.
Mere’s mouth opens in disbelief, making me chuckle. “And what did you say?”
“I told her she was the worst liar.”
Merida giggles and then immediately groans. “It cramps even while laughing.”
As much as it annoys me to see her hurting, I’m so glad Keith stopped me. It might not be the best day of her life, as Gram pointed out, but it’s still an important day.
“Your dad looked so frustrated. I’ve not seen him so…unsure in the last two weeks.”
“Suits him well.” She crosses her arms over her chest.
“He loves you.” I smile at her light irritation before I hear the front door opening followed by a soft knock on the door.
“Mere, I got food. Should I leave it by the door for you and…Clementine?”
My heart flutters upon hearing my name from Keith’s lips.
Shut up, you crazy freak!
“Should I open the door?” I ask Mere and she hesitantly nods.
“Hi.” Keith glances at his daughter. “I got food,” he repeats. “If you like, you can eat in here.”
When Mere mumbles a tiny yes, he places the paper bag from the diner on her study table and takes out three boxes.
He passes a box and a cup of hot cocoa to both of us before pulling out a pastry box with a see-through plastic top.
My heart goes rapid when I see the contents.
“I remember you like it.” He rubs his forehead, and the tired lines around his eyes get my attention. It looks as if he, too, hasn’t slept in days. When I make no move to take the offered box, he adds, “It’s cheesecake. I’m not sure if it’s as good as your gram’s.”
Watching the melancholy smile on his face, my pulse quickens again for some reason. “Thanks.”
“I will leave you two alone.” Keith hesitates at the door before turning back and treading toward Mere. “I’m here, sweetheart, if you need me.” His raw voice forces foreign emotions to bubble in my chest. I decide to leave the room, give them some privacy.
“Clem, don’t go.” Mere’s words halt my feet and I stand hesitantly, holding the door. I look between her and Keith, when she adds, “Please.”
“Stay.” Keith’s gaze, laced with a sea of emotions, makes my feet and heart stop. He then sits beside Mere on her bed.
“I’m failing to see how you are growing up, Mere. I have to accept that you’re no longer my three-year-old girl who loves listening to my stories or hanging out with me.”
“I liked hanging out with you, Dad. I miss it. But lately you have been very…” She leaves her sentence unfinished before hiding her face in Keith’s chest. “I miss you, Dad.”
“Me too, hon.”
I blink several times and gulp over the lump in my throat. When Mere offers me her hand, that lump turns into a tornado. I take a few shaky steps toward her and perch my butt beside her on the small bed.
My gaze meets Keith’s, he has a terrified expression on his face.
There is no other way to describe it.