The Empty Chair

*Ana*

“You must be so disappointed not to see Nicoli. ” Father squeezes my hand as we walk back inside. “I’m sorry, Ana.”

“No, that’s not-” Why would he say such a thing? Could he see it on my face? I touch my cheeks and mouth quickly. No, I haven’t been frowning. So, how could he guess it?

“Not at all,” I quickly excuse. “That’s not- I’m not disappointed.” But, again, Father must see something I don’t know because he shakes his head.

“No, You are.” Father rubs my hands. It makes them warm up. I barely register how cold I am until he does. We weren’t outside for long, but my skin must be icy because Father moved to breathe onto my fingers. His hot breath warms my digits even faster.

“Why else would you be foolish enough to run outside without a coat?” Father winks. “You were gung-ho on seeing him, weren’t you? ” Father continues to rub and breathe on my skin. “I mean, look how cold you are. You’re like ice now.”

“ Did I bring back snow?” Father laughs before kissing my fingers.”My li