Messy Want

Tears burned behind my eyes. I leaned forward and rested my hand on his shoulder, feeling the solid warmth of him..the man who bled for me, who still patted my head like I was five when nightmares came.

“I love you, Daddy,” I whispered. “I’m so sorry I made us have to run.”

He covered my hand with his bigger one, squeezing gently. “Love you more, baby girl. We’re not running. We’re walki