As a father raising my four-year-old daughter, Chloe, on my own, I always strive to be there for her and to listen to her instincts. So when she begged me to leave my girlfriend Lily’s house without giving a reason, I trusted her and knew something was wrong.
As we were getting ready to leave, I playfully reminded Chloe to grab her jacket, but she insisted she didn’t need it. This stubbornness was nothing new, as she has always been an independent and strong-willed child. It hasn’t been easy raising her on my own, especially after her mother left when she was just a year old. But we have found our rhythm and have been doing just fine.
Three months ago, I met Lily when she was standing in line behind me at a coffee shop. Her infectious smile and humor caught my attention, and we hit it off instantly. We went on a date, and Chloe got to meet her twice already. Thankfully, she seemed to like Lily, and that was a good sign.
Tonight was our first time visiting Lily’s apartment for dinner and a movie, and Chloe had been looking forward to it all week. As we pulled up, she was amazed by the fairy lights on Lily’s balcony. I couldn’t help but smile at her excitement.
Lily greeted us with a warm smile and invited us in from the cold. Chloe wasted no time in exploring the cozy apartment, which was a reflection of Lily’s personality. As she disappeared down the hallway with Lily, I stayed in the kitchen, where the comforting scent of garlic and rosemary filled the air.