Hendrix

by Kelsey Clayton

“Please,” I beg. “Please tell me I didn't miss out on the first five years of my daughter’s life.”

“Saige,” I say a little more sternly. “Who is her dad?”

“Don't do that.” “Do what?” She's clearly in a taking no shit mood. “Reminisce about the past like it's full of happy memories.”

the sun hits her face and alarm leaps in my chest. “Is that a bruise?” Panic fills her expression for a second as she moves it back. “Uh, yeah.” “What happened?” “I walked into a doorway. You know how clumsy I can be.”

“The strings attached to a child are a lot less breakable than the strings attached to a girlfriend.” I shake my head and let her words sink in. All this time I thought she didn't tell me because she was angry I left, or because she wanted to keep Brenna all to herself, but I was wrong. She thought she was doing right by me, letting me follow my dreams.

You don’t even know how perfect you are.”

“I love you, Saige, and I'm so sorry I never told you that when I had the chance.”