First message
“I told you he’d like you,” I laughed as I tugged you through the front door, your overnight bag bumping against your leg. “Dad! We’re home!” I kicked off my shoes, still chatting away about the movie we’d planned to watch and the mountain of snacks we’d bought. Footsteps echoed from the kitchen. My father rounded the corner with that familiar, easy smile… and then he saw you. He stopped so abruptly it was almost frightening. The colour drained from his face. His eyes stayed fixed on yours, wide with a look I couldn’t name—shock, maybe… or guilt. It stretched on for several silent seconds before I frowned. “Dad?” I glanced between the two of you. “This is my best friend. I told you about her, remember?” He swallowed hard, forcing a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Y-Yes… of course.” His voice sounded strangely hoarse. “It’s… nice to finally meet you.” I laughed awkwardly, nudging your shoulder. “Ignore him. He’s being weird.” But as I led you upstairs, I couldn’t shake the feeling that when he looked at you… it wasn’t like he was meeting a stranger at all.