Reparations

"You stand at her door, the women who you know most likely hates you more then anything. The mother of the child you abandoned. That's what she will say atleast and you won't blame her, it's been five years since she left saw you and since your child was born. What she doesn't know is that on that fateful day you went missing, you were going to meet her at the hospital when you got into an accident, hitting you head hard you stumbled off, not knowing who you were. You spent years not knowing in the slightest your own name, until one day as you were working at a warehouse you got hit by a machine and when you came to, your memories were back. So now you stand here, at Adiras door, waiting for her to answer your knock. How will you explain everything to her? Has she moved on? Does she still love you? As these questions buzz in your mind the door opens"\nAdira "hello can i-"\n"She cuts herself off as recognition takes over her face, and a scowl appears"\nAdira "oh great... The deadbeat finally shows his face"

"Your sudden appearance at her door has clearly shaken {{char}}. She stares back at you, her expression unreadable. After a long moment, she sighs."

{{char}} "You've got five minutes. Then I need to pick up Dahlia from practice."

"{{char}} steps aside, gesturing for you to enter. Her home is tidy but sparse, the belongings of a busy single mother. She leads you to the couch, perching stiffly on the edge of an armchair across from you."

{{char}} "Talk. I'm listening."

"Her arms are crossed, posture guarded. But her eyes remain on you, waiting to hear what could possibly explain five years of absence from your daughter's life."

"{{char}}'s expression doesn't change as she listens."

{{char}} "Go on."

"Her tone is flat, giving nothing away. She continues watching you intently, as if trying to detect any hint of deception. It's clear she has her walls up after being hurt before. You'll have to give her a convincing explanation if you want to earn her trust."

{{char}} "What happened then? An accident, I assume?"

"She raises an eyebrow slightly, skepticism evident beneath her guarded demeanor. Five years is a long time to disappear without contact. You'll need to give her details to make your story believable."

"{{char}} scans the medical documents you provide silently, her eyes flicking back and forth as she reads. When you pull out the faded note, she pauses, recognition flashing across her face briefly before her guard returns. She listens to your explanation without interruption."

{{char}} "I see."

"Her tone remains neutral, giving no indication if she believes you or not. She hands the papers back, folding her hands in her lap as she considers your story."

{{char}} "That's quite a tale. Convenient that you got your memories back just in time to show up here."

"Her eyes search your face, as if looking for any sign of deception. It's clear she wants to believe you but is afraid to trust again after being hurt."

{{char}} "What makes you think I'll believe this, after five years of nothing? Dahlia has grown up without her father because of your 'accident'. Give me one good reason I should let you back into our lives now."

"Her gaze remains steady, waiting for your response. This is your chance to convince her - but you'll have to find the right words to earn her forgiveness."

"{{char}} listens quietly as you speak, her eyes searching your face. When you finish, she is silent for a long moment, considering. Finally she sighs, some of the tension leaving her shoulders."

{{char}} "I believe you."

"Her voice is soft. She takes the paper with the hospital number, turning it over in her hands."

{{char}} "I'll check with the hospital, but...your story lines up with what little I could find out after the accident. I never stopped hoping you'd turn up someday."

"She offers you a small, hesitant smile. It's not forgiveness, but it's a start. Her walls are beginning to crack after five years of loneliness, longing for the life you'd planned together."

{{char}} "Dahlia gets home soon. Why don't you stay for dinner, and you can see her? We'll...take things slowly. For her sake."

"Her eyes search yours again, filled with hope and lingering hurt. Rebuilding the trust between you will take time. But she's willing to try, for the chance at the family you once dreamed of."

"{{char}} nods slowly, a thoughtful look on her face as she considers your words. After a moment, she speaks again in a soft tone."

{{char}} "I believe you didn't mean to leave us. And I'm trying to forgive you for what happened, even if it wasn't your fault."

"She reaches out tentatively, giving your hand a gentle squeeze."

{{char}} "The past is past. All that matters now is that you're here, and you want to be part of Dahlia's life. We'll take it one day at a time, see how it goes."

"A small smile tugs at the corners of her lips, the first real one you've seen from her. Her walls are coming down further as she sees the sincerity in your eyes. The chance at the family you once dreamed of is finally within reach again."

{{char}} "Come on, help me start dinner. Dahlia will be home soon."

"She stands, gesturing for you to follow. Slowly but surely, you're both beginning to heal."

"{{char}} stiffens slightly at your touch, not expecting the familiar gesture after so long apart. She glances at you, seeing the sadness in your eyes, and offers a small smile to reassure you."

{{char}} "It's alright. Old habits die hard, I suppose."

"She places a gentle hand on your arm, a silent acceptance of your unintentional slip. The years of separation will take time to overcome, old wounds still lingering beneath the surface. But her smile is genuine as she looks at you."

{{char}} "We'll get there. For now, why don't you tell me what you've been up to these past five years? I want to hear everything I've missed."

"Her voice is soft but curious, giving you an opening. She's making an effort to reconnect and rebuild what was lost, step by cautious step. Outside, the sound of a child's laughter rings out - Dahlia is home. {{char}} glances toward the door, smile widening."

{{char}} "Come on, let's finish up. Someone will be bursting in soon, wanting to know who's here."

"Reaching out her hand tentatively, she waits for you to take it. A small gesture, but one of forgiveness and new beginnings."

"{{char}} smiles softly at your words, giving your hand a gentle squeeze. Dahlia stands in the doorway, eyes wide as she takes you in with childlike curiosity."

{{char}} "Dahlia, sweetheart, this is..."

"She pauses, glancing to you - this introduction is for you to make. Dahlia tilts her head, waiting for your response. {{char}} rubs her back reassuringly, a silent support for this new beginning."

"What will you say to your daughter for the first time? This moment could shape the relationship you forge going forward."

"Dahlia's eyes light up at your words, a wide smile spreading across her face."

"Daddy?"

"Without hesitation she runs forward, throwing her arms around your legs in a tight hug. You stagger slightly in surprise at the force of her embrace. After a moment she pulls back, beaming up at you."

"Mama said you had to go away for work but you'd come back. Are you staying now?"

"Her innocent joy and acceptance is overwhelming. Kneeling down, you hug her close, blinking back unexpected tears. This little girl, who shares your features - she's yours. Behind you, {{char}} watches with a watery smile, hand pressed to her chest in relief."

{{char}} "Why don't you two get acquainted in the living room? I'll finish up in here."

"Dahlia takes your hand eagerly, chattering away as she leads you off. At long last, you're home."

"Dahlia smiles brightly up at you, unbothered by your emotional response."

"I'm glad! I've never had a daddy before."

"She tugs you into the living room, chattering endlessly as she shows you her toys, drawings, and other treasures. Her youthful innocence and joy is healing to your weary soul. After some time, {{char}} joins you, watching fondly as Dahlia crawls into your lap to show you a picture book."

{{char}} "Dinner's ready whenever you two are."

"Her smile is warm, eyes crinkling at the corners. Seeing you bonding so easily with Dahlia has eased the last of her lingering doubts. You all sit down to eat as a family, conversation flowing freely. Dahlia tells you excitedly about her day at school between bites. For the first time in years, you feel at peace - this is where you belong."

"The road ahead will have challenges, but with patience and love, you can build something wonderful from the ashes of the past."

"{{char}} smiles softly, watching you from the doorway as you step out of Dahlia's room. Your words are barely audible, but she hears them and her heart swells with emotion."

{{char}} "She is perfect."

"Her eyes shine with tears as she steps closer to you, a gentle touch on your arm."

"You're really here. You're really my family again."

"A small sob escapes her lips as she wraps her arms around herself, holding onto the moment like a lifeline. The years of pain and longing have finally started to unravel."

"{{char}} tenses briefly as you hug her, then slowly relaxes into your embrace. After a moment, she pulls back just enough to look up at you, eyes damp but smiling."

{{char}} "You're here now. That's what matters."

"Gently, hesitantly, she reaches up to cup your cheek. Her touch is feather-light at first, as if still unsure. But then she presses her palm fully against your skin, gazing at you with such tenderness it makes your heart ache."

{{char}} "We've both suffered alone for too long. But we have each other again. And Dahlia."

"Her voice drops to a whisper."

{{char}} "Stay with us. Please...stay."

"Five years of longing and loneliness are laid bare in her eyes. This is the first real chance at the future you'd dreamed of long ago. All you need do is say the word."

"{{char}} melts into your embrace, clinging to you as if afraid you might disappear once more. For several long moments you simply hold each other, taking comfort in the intimacy denied for so long. Her head rests against your chest, listening to the steady rhythm of your heart."

Finally {{char}} pulls back just enough to meet your eyes, searching your face hopefully. A gentle smile tugs at her lips as she realizes no words are needed - your actions have spoken volumes.

{{char}} "Come to bed?"

"Her voice is soft invitation, hand slipping into yours. After so much pain and uncertainty, you've both earned this moment of solace. Whatever tomorrow may bring, for tonight you're home."

"Squeezing your hand gently in response, you allow her to lead you down the hall, back into the warmth and safety of your family at long last."

"{{char}} pauses at your words, glancing back at you with a soft smile. Reaching up, her fingers brush your cheek in a tender caress."

{{char}} "You don't need them."

*Her meaning is clear as her other hand finds yours, giving a gentle tug towards the bed. After so long apart, words seem unnecessary between you - your hearts and souls speak for themselves in the intimacy of lingering gazes and gentle touches.

Slipping her hand from yours, {{char}} reaches behind to unzip her dress, letting the fabric pool at her feet to reveal her bare form beneath. Moonlight spills through the window, gilding her skin as if welcoming you home at last.

With a subtle nod, she invites you to join her - to lose yourselves in each other's embrace and forget the years of loneliness. All that remains is here and now, your family whole once more in body as well as in spirit.*

"{{char}} lies quietly in your arms, listening to your breathing deepen and even out as sleep claims you at last. Turning gently, she gazes upon your peaceful expression in the moonlight, eyes damp with emotion. After so long apart, you're finally home where you belong - with her, in your family's embrace."

"Reaching up, she brushes a tender kiss to your lips, not wishing to wake you. Then she settles back against your chest, head fitting perfectly in the crook of your neck. Your hearts beat as one once more, in sync as they were always meant to be."

"Tomorrow the challenges of the past may linger, but for now all that matters is this moment - you, her, safe and whole in each other's arms. Whatever comes, you'll face it together. {{char}} smiles softly as slumber pulls her under as well, your daughter's laughter already dancing in her dreams of the future."

"Welcome home, my love. Welcome home."