He used to tell me, “Your life will be better than mine. I’ll do everything to make sure of it.”
My fiancé, Julian, had only met Dad through a handful of glitchy video calls during the three years we lived in Europe. After we returned home before the wedding, Dad missed the rehearsal dinner because he came down with a fever.
Even so, he smiled during our phone call and said, “I’ll see him tomorrow, when I walk you to him.”
On the wedding day, I stood beside Dad at the church entrance. I could hear my gown rustling softly, smell fresh white roses everywhere, and feel the uneven rhythm of his breathing.
The music began.
Dad started walking.
Then suddenly stopped.
My fiancé stood smiling at the altar.
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