Mafially Yours

Elena

For those who like guys with warning signs.

Red is my favorite color too.

I can clearly remember the moment my dad got shot right in front of me, but what hurts the most is not being able to picture the face of the actual shooter. I wouldn't recognize him even if he walked past me. On that fateful day, my dad decided to take me on a trip to escape from work stress and spend some quality time with me. Little did I know that it would end in pain and sorrow.

Initially, I was afraid of the ocean, but that fear faded as I grew to love it. I started appreciating the gentle waves that softly approached my feet, creating a soothing crashing sound. The water's rhythm echoed my heartbeat, forming a beautiful melody. The breeze tousled my hair, turning them into wisps that touched my face and floated above my head. I cherished everything about the ocean and wished I could stay there forever.

"Are we ready to go?" my dad asked.

Wanting to savor the ocean a bit longer, I replied, "Not yet." He nodded and went to check us out of our hotel suite. He assured me he would join me shortly, and he did.

After settling the bill, he signaled that he was ready, and I followed him to the car.

"Wait, before we leave, I have something for you," he said, holding my hand and reaching for his pocket. He pulled out a box.

Smiling with curiosity, I asked, "You got me a gift?" and hugged him.

"Yes," he replied, handing me the box. I opened it to find a silver necklace with "Nana" on it - his affectionate nickname for me. My smile widened.

"This is gorgeous, Dad. Thank you," I put it on, admiring its beauty. He grinned.

"Come on, let's go. We'll be late."

The drive was quiet but comforting. Although the silence tempted me to close my eyes, I resisted. I wanted to stay awake. Time with my dad was precious, and I didn't want to miss any part of it, even the journey home.

"Sleep, Peach, if you want," he suggested.

"No, I'll stay with you," I blinked repeatedly, trying to stay alert. "I really enjoyed this trip. It's kind of sad that it's over."

"We'll have more. We can come here again next time I take a break from work."

"Your work is tough; you never get breaks."

He chuckled, "I promise I'll try to make the next break sooner than this time."

"We'll see," I teased. The silence returned, and I gazed out the window, watching the trees pass by like scenes from a movie. The wind brushed against my face, but I refused to close the window. I enjoyed the feeling, captivated by the beauty around me, even if my eyes teared up from the wind. I guess something in the breeze was to blame.

"What's wrong?" He concernedly asked.

"Something got in my eye," I whined as I wiped it. I hissed, "Damn it."

"Do you have tissues? Try to wipe it."

"I don't. Do you?" I started looking with one eye open around the car to find anything to wipe my eye with. "Do you have it here?" I opened the glove box in front of me. I silently gasped. It was a picture of my dad with a woman. My heart dropped. Is that mom?