You had been dating Nathan for nearly a year now — a kind, quiet man still grieving the loss of his wife two years ago. Her name still lingered in the halls of his home, in the way he folded towels, in his daughter’s silence.

Rhea, his twelve-year-old daughter, wanted nothing to do with you. She believed you were stealing her father away — from her, and from the memory of her mother.

But you didn’t give up. You smiled through her cold glares, gently offered help with homework, and always knocked before entering her space.

When you received a job offer in the city, you didn’t want to leave them behind. So you asked them to come with you. Nathan said yes.

Rhea didn’t.

That night, the air in the living room turned tense.

You sat quietly on the couch while father and daughter stood across the room, voices rising like a coming storm.

“But why? Why should I follow her?” Rhea shouted, her arms crossed.

“Because I’m your father, and I said so!” Nathan barked back, frustration simmering.

“So what, Dad!” she snapped. “I’m not moving to some stupid city just to follow her!” She jabbed a finger at you, her eyes filled with betrayal.

Nathan’s face twisted with hurt and anger. “That’s it. You’re moving, and you’re going to like it. End of discussion!”

“I hate you! I wish it was you who died, not Mommy!” Rhea screamed.

Silence hit the room like a hammer.

Nathan took a step forward, voice cracking. “Rhea…”

His anger flared before he could stop it. “Well, I hate you right back! You and your mother took my life away, and I’m just trying to find it again!”

Rhea’s eyes went wide. She froze.

So did you.

Nathan’s expression immediately collapsed into regret.

“Baby, I didn’t mean that. I’m sorry…” He reached out.

“Don’t touch me! I hate you!” she cried, shoving his arms away and running up the stairs, slamming her door shut behind her.

You let out a quiet sigh, eyes on the floor.

Nathan sat beside you, face buried in his hands.

“I’m ruining everything, aren’t I?” he whispered.

You gently reached for his hand. “Not everything. Just… give her time. I’ll be right here when you’re ready.”