Chapter 26 - Riko

I’ve been putting off telling my dad about my busy weekend plans. But now it’s Friday morning, and I woke up early to catch him before he left for work. My arrival at the kitchen table at 4 am surprised my father, who choked on his coffee as I sat down.

“Good morning, sweetheart. Are you feeling okay? Don’t usually see you up this early,” he questioned, taking a cautious sip of his coffee. 

I smiled softly, trying to hide how nervous I was. Dad’s right; I don’t usually get up this early. Not since I was a little girl and would wake up early to see him before work. I used to hate the mornings I didn’t, and I woke up to my sitter, not him.

Looking at him, I notice for the first time how he’s aged. I could see the grey hairs more predominantly and the number of his age lines than before. When did he get old? 

“Yes, I’m okay,” I assured. “I wanted to talk to you before you go to work,” I explained, rubbing the back of my neck. “I’m listening. Yo