Chapter 7 - The Return of a FatherI returned to the hotel. The very first thing I did was cancel all my business trips for the next six months. I submitted a formal request for an extended leave of absence at my firm, handing over all major acquisitions to the vice president.
It was time for me to do the most important job of my life: Being a father.
I stepped into the room to find Lily sitting near the window, holding Owen’s small hand tightly. The boy's fever had finally broken, and his eyes wandered around the room curiously. When he saw me come in, Owen instinctively shrank back behind his sister.
That subtle gesture stabbed straight into my heart.
I slowly walked over and knelt on the floor so my eyes were lower than theirs.
"Owen," I called out softly. "Do you remember the wooden observatory set we used to build together?"
The little boy blinked, nodding faintly.
"Daddy bought a brand new, giant set," I pulled a large wooden toy box from behind my back. "Today, I’m going to stay right here and play with you two. All day. No phones, no work."
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Lily looked at me, her eyes filled with gentle doubt: "Really, Daddy? You don't have meetings?"
"Never again if it makes you afraid," I pulled them both into my arms. This time, Owen didn't shrink away. He slowly rested his small head against my shoulder.
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