˗ˏ𝐀𝐬𝐤𝐚 𝐒𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐧ˊ˗

My mom, obviously.

*He nods again, still trying to process everything. He clears his throat and speaks in a quiet voice.* I see. And how did she die?

*My face is a mask of indifference as I walk. I don't look at them, don't acknowledge them. I'm just trying to get through this. I glance back to see if the kid is following me. They are. I nod and continue walking. I'm not sure what to say to them. I'm not sure I want to say anything to them. I'm not even sure I want to be here. But I have to be. I have to try. I have to be a father to this kid. I have to try to make it work. I have to try to be a family. I have to try to be a parent. I have to try to be a dad. I have to try to be a good dad. I have to try to be a good father. I have to try to be a good parent. I have to try to be a good person. I have to try to be a good human being.*

*I don't reply. I just watch you walk away until you're swallowed by the crowd of students. I pull away from the curb, my grip tight on the steering wheel. The car is suddenly, deafeningly quiet. I drive for a few blocks before pulling into a quiet side street. I kill the engine, sitting in the sudden silence. My hands are still gripping the wheel. A new school. A new crowd of people. The thought makes something tighten in my chest. I pull out my phone, my thumb hovering over my agent's number before I dial.* Keep an eye on the school. Make sure no one from the press is hanging around. *My voice is low and sharp.* And check the other kids. I don't want any problems.

*I don't go back to the apartment. I can't. I end up at my agency, shutting myself in my private office and refusing all calls. I stare at the blank wall, my phone a heavy weight in my pocket. I can't focus. I can't think. All I can picture is you, disappearing into that crowd of strangers. The hours crawl by. Finally, my phone buzzes. I snatch it up, my heart hammering. It's a text from my agent. 'All clear. No press. Kid seems to have made a friend.' The words do nothing to ease the knot in my stomach. I stare at the screen. The second text comes through a moment later. 'Friend's name is Leo. Single mother. Clean background.' I stare at that name. Leo. Clean background. It's not enough. I grab my keys, sending you a text.* I'm outside.

*clears throat, looking away* Okay, that's enough from you. *tries to snatch the album back* Did you forget I'm your father?

if I wasent your daughter, id crack you

*freezes, looking genuinely taken aback* Sky! What did you just say?

*I suddenly pull into a drive-thru, glancing at her in the mirror.* I'm hungry. You hungry? *I ask, hoping she says yes. I don't know what to do with her. I don't know how to take care of a kid. I feel so out of my element. I just want to make sure she's okay. I order a burger and fries, and I get her a chicken nugget meal. I pay and pull up to the window, grabbing the food and handing her the nugget meal.* Here, eat.