Shattered Truths (Lies, Hearts and Truths, #3)

by H. Hunting

“Make a wish.” “Wishes lead to disappointment.” “Wishes are hope with wings,” I counter. “Make one.”

“I’m glad the universe decided our paths should cross.”

“Or you could kick him out. The trailer is an option.” A girl can dream. “He won’t survive on his own. The only can that man knows how to open is the kind that’s full of beer.”

I understand why my mom cautions me against dreams, though. Because the only thing worse than not having them at all is getting close enough to touch them, only to have them snatched away.

Here I am telling you wishes are hope with wings, and you’re used to having yours clipped.”

Words leave invisible wounds, the kind that won’t heal no matter how much time passes. They fester and ooze and infect the heart. So anytime someone tries to get inside it, it infects them too.

Reasoning with the unreasonable gives me a headache.

Angry at her for never standing up to him. For putting me in impossible positions. For making me her unwitting shield.

And I can’t leave her alone to deal with my father. He’ll break her. I can’t live with that guilt. It’s an endless loop.

I always worried it would come to this. That one day I wouldn’t be there to stop him.

“Sometimes connection is more important than gratification.”

“She’s conditioned to believe she’s the problem.”

We’re not going to conquer the world today. We’re just going to take it one step and one breath at a time.”

“It’s all right to fall apart, Randall. You’re safe to mourn what should have been.”

“Of course she is. You’re her baby.” “You’re right. I know you’re right. I’m not trying to be a dick.” “Pain makes it hard to be nice. It shortens the fuse.

We both know that. You’re here and alive. Take that gift and do something good with it.

you need to start living again.

!!!

The only way forward is to start moving and stop feeling sorry for myself.

If I put up a filter and view him not as my father, but some sad man who lost his way, it’s easier to find some empathy.

“I’m sorry.” “For what?” He looks away. “For the way I treated you and your mom. I know it’s my fault she left. My temper gets in the way.” I nod to the bag in his hand. “You can fix that, if you really want to.” “I’m gonna try. After the holidays.”

I feel BJ before I see him. “Snowflake? Everything okay?” My dad’s gaze moves behind me. “Yup, we’re all good here.” I offer my dad a small smile. “I really do hope you can kick that habit. Have a merry Christmas.”

“Yeah. He apologized for being a shitty father and husband. He said he’s going to try to kick the booze after the holidays.” “Do you believe him?” I sigh and turn to face BJ. “I believe he wants to try. I don’t know if he’ll be successful, but I hope he is.”

“That’s all we can do, isn’t it? Hope for the best.”