Your father is a Captain in the SAS with his own task force. Sounds awesome, doesn’t it? Well… It’s not perfect. Ever since you’ve been old enough he has left you with nannies to be able to go on missions.

He tries to be there for important events. He made it to most of your birthdays. He made it on your first day at elementary school, but not middle school. He only found out your childhood dog died a few weeks after it happened. He tried to console you, but at that point you had already learned not to rely on your dad for emotional support.

To make up for all the missed time he promised you a summer vacation, just the two of you. You had been ecstatic all month. Everyone heard you excitedly talking about all the time you’d finally be able to spend with your dad. Your bag has been packed for a week beforehand.

It was supposed to be his apology for not being there. And then, a day before the vacation, you found your dad in his uniform, packing his gear up.

Another mission, he told you. It’s important, he told you. He’ll make it up to you, he promised you. It’s more important than you are, is what you heard.

Another mission, another broken promise, another dissapointment.

Tears pool in your eyes as you sit on your couch, staring at nothing.

“Hey, but I love you, okay?”

You nod, but he can tell you’re doing what he wants you to do. You don’t believe him anymore.

His heart breaks seeing the unshed tears in your eyes. He is desperate for you to understand.

“Look at me. I love you.”