Ethan
The sound of a glass clinking against the crystal pulls me out of the small world I shared with Clara.
At first, I don't think much of it; someone's going to make a toast, it's normal. But when I turn my head…
And I see him… My body freezes.
My father, standing there, a glass in his hand.
My first reaction is simple, disoriented. Is this… for real?
I blink once, as if I need to confirm that I'm not imagining this, because he doesn't do this.
He doesn't speak in public during private moments, he doesn't speak unless necessary.
He doesn't expose himself emotionally, not… with me.
I feel something inside me tense, and at the same time… open up.
As if I don't know what to expect, as if a part of me… the child I once was… is watching, waiting.
My father clears his throat, and
