gentle humming. Emily was already up and about, busily preparing breakfast for the family. Opelong's stomach growled in anticip

stomach. She knew that she had to confront her father, to apologize for her harsh words and to try to make am

g a reassuring hug. "Good morning, baby," she said, her voice warm and soothing

e couldn't help feeling that Emily was also partly to blame for the rift between her and her father. After all,

t towards her mother. Why did Emily always have to be so hard on Alfred? Why

ng of utensils on plates. Opelong's mind was a million miles away,

ushed her chair back and stood up. "I'm going to go

sation ahead. She made her way to the living room, where he

d softly, trying to

med from lack of sleep. "Hey, kiddo,"

her. "Papa, I'm sorry," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I

he said, his voice cracking with emotion. "But I'm sorry too. I'm sorry I wasn'

her father's words. She had never heard him apologize befo

is hand in hers. "I know you did the

oulders. "Thank you, kiddo," he said, his voice

over her. She knew that she and her father still had a long way

hey could heal and m

concern etched on her face. "Are you sure that's a

Yes, Mama. I need to do this. I need to

. "Okay, baby. If that's what you feel you need