Sweetheart

“I’m Eva’s father, Ron.”

“Sir, I…”

He holds up a hand.

“Don’t. We’ll talk later. Right now, Eva wants you.”

He turns without another word and heads towards the elevators. I follow humbly behind him. We wait for an older couple to exit before entering the elevator, and I chance a glance at Ron’s profile.

“How is she?” I venture.

He frowns.

“For a collision like that, she’s alright.”

I feel like I can’t catch my breath and my voice cracks as it comes out.

“Mr. Hale, please I never wanted this for her. I love…”

“Don’t.”

He exhales heavily, refusing to meet my eyes.

“Look son, Eva hasn’t told us anything but the briefest details. I used my powers of deduction to figure out what you are to my daughter. I don’t understand your decision and frankly, I don’t care. All I care about is my daughter and my grandchild.”

“I care about her too,” I say. “I was giving her space and also I didn’t know how to find her. Sir, your daughter…” I have to stop and take a deep breath as emotions course through