Pretend hearts, real love

1: Emp

, his fists tightly knotted in his lap. He glanced down at the crumpled program in his hands, the letters "Kindergarten Spring Recital" printed in bold, bubblegum-pink letters. His heart

n close, laughing quietly together. Grandparents bounced younger siblings on their laps. There were floral arrangements, glittery homemade signs with children's n

shaved quickly, nicking his jaw, and his tie was knotted slightly off-center. None of that mattered. Emily mattered. His little girl, only five and already the brightest thing in his life

es kept scanning the chairs. He was alone. It wasn't anything new. He'd grown used to the empty chair b

dress that brought out the gold in her curls. She spotted him immediately and smiled, waving both hands. Aiden waved ba

as slightly off-timing. She knew all the words by heart, yet her eyes flicked constantly to the audience, as if searching. For him? No, she k

for a friend. Or nerves, maybe. But the faint sag of h

ras flashing. Aiden waited, letting the crowd thin. When Emily spott

med, throwing hers

her cheek. "You were fantastic, E

I got the end

did. I p

but her voice dropped to a whisper.

n te

Her green eyes so like her mother's were seri

to eye. "That's not true, sweetie. You're not weird. Sometimes

m of her dress. "They

exus. He took a slow breath, pushing

utly. "And I love you just the way you are.

, but the smile d

ng at a coloring page she'd left on the table. It was a picture of their family just the two of them. He was tall and smil

esn't come in the form the world wishes it to? That her mother had gone away when she was b

just tired. And afraid. Afraid that Emily would grow up th

. A text from his

cital go? Did Em d

She cru

s she's a star. Need me to pic

t another double

We've got this.

Love

tment was silent. He could still hear Emily's small voice,

t. The principal, Mrs. Darling, greeted him with a warm smile. H

he classroom," she said. "But kids wil

want her to be ashamed of who she is. Or th

e'll make sure Emily knows she's valued. And I'll suggest a c

He disliked that he couldn't shield Emily from ev

veral different families some with two moms, some with two dads, so

" she relayed over spaghetti. "And mine

nking somewhat. "

"Can we wa

you sin

ea

his side, Aiden began to feel the weight of the empty seat shift.

he top of her head. "Y

ed half asle

me in a long while,