DENNIS

I was very selective with the things I got. I made sure to get the flowers she liked and only the gifts that she would cherish.

I glanced at the flowers and gifts in the passenger seat as I drove into the hospital's compound and nodded to myself. She'd love them. I quickly found a parking spot and parked my car. Before I climbed out of the car, I reached out and took the things I'd gotten her and made my way inside.

"Mr Dennis!" One of the nurses behind the counter at the reception chirped. "You're back. It's so nice to have you back."

I nodded slowly, genuinely surprised. "Thank you," I managed a smile as I muttered. Then I made my way to Amie's room.

As I pushed the door open, Amie's gaze zeroed in on the door. Her face lit up instantly.

"Daddy!"

I quickened my pace so that she would not have the need to run up to me but she was already on her feet and had taken a couple of steps before I reached her.

"Daddy!" She repeated as she wrapped her arms around my legs. I placed the things in my hand on the chair closest to me. Then I hoisted her in my arms and pulled her in for a hug. Ahh. I've missed her so much. "I miss you so much, baby."

"I miss you so much. Why didn't you come to visit me?"

"Sorry I couldn't visit. Work has been time-consuming."

She nodded. "It's okay. I'm just happy you're here now."

I ruffled her hair. "That's my girl!"

She giggled. Then she turned to the flowers and gifts. She pointed at them, "Those are mine, right?"

I laughed. She never hesitate to claim whatever she thinks was hers.

I picked up the bouquet of daisies that I got her and handed it to her

yours, baby.

she took the bouquet from me and once more, she wrapped her little arms around my neck in another hug. "You're the best

I

I held her. I shouldn't have stayed away from the hospital like some chicken. Just like her mother, she was a ball of sunshine. She was the one who gave me more hope that Ana and I

the bed and she started to unwrap the gifts I got her while she babbled on about

time with Amie. We went for a short walk and when we returned, I watched as she drew stuff for me

her head from a painting of a turbulent sea. She smiled up at me. "My painting has gotten better, haven't

tilted my head to the side as I took in the drawing again. I smiled, proud of her. "You actually did well... it looks more

smiled and returned her gaze to the painting. "One day, I'll draw a family portrait

her

Me, Ana, the savior sibling, maybe another child that will be

that was happening, I just feel this need... this insane urge to be the dotting husband that Ana wants and the fun dad for Amie. They're my family. I'm supposed to stand

self-pity.

a while, Amie grew tired and I held her in my arms. I continued to listen to her slurred stories and thoughts a out

a note in her drawing book, explaining that I had to leave for work then I dropped a

email that one of

"Dennis?"

staring at me, a half smile on

That face

"Yes?"

fist into his left palm. "I knew it

I stared, confused.

man. You don't remember me?" He feigned to

took a step back,

as I took

a

I closed the distance

gave him a

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