The Man at the Door
Chapter 13 - The Man at the Door
Months later, a man came to Frank's house.
His name was David Carter.
Laura's older brother.
He had supported Ruth's decision eighteen years earlier.
“You should leave them alone,” David said.
Frank laughed bitterly.
“You're late.”
David warned Frank that Emily was confused.
“That girl had a good life without you.”
Frank nodded.
“I know.”
“Then why disrupt it?”
“Because she asked for the truth.”
David's expression hardened.
“You think biology makes you her father?”
“No.”
Frank surprised him.
“Then what does?”
“Showing up.”
David stared.
Frank continued.
“Which is why I'm trying now.”
David had no answer.
As he left, Emily stepped out of her car.
She had heard the last part.
Frank looked embarrassed.
Emily smiled slightly.
“You're getting better at this.”
“At what?”
“Being my dad.”
May you like
It was the first time she had called him that.
Frank had to turn away so she would not see him cry.
