Page 35 of One More Chance
Tomorrow, I would set about getting it ready for their return.
My phone buzzed.
Violet wants to FaceTime. You free?
Always
The screen lit up with Violet’s name and a little heart emoji she must’ve added herself. I answered immediately, my heart thudding with excited anticipation.
"Daddy!"
Her face filled the screen, eyes wide, hair wild from the humidity. Behind her, the hotel curtains fluttered with outlines of the theme park's mascot and Liam was bouncing on one of the beds, clearly hyped from a day of overstimulation and sugar.
"Hey, sweetheart," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "How’s the trip?"
Violet launched into a full report as if she were giving a school presentation. "We saw the fireworks and I met so many princesses and Liam got a churro that was bigger than my arm and I rode the big swirly coaster and Mommy said I can keep the princess cup if I don’t lose it! And Daddy? They have so much gluten free food here!”
I laughed. "Well, sounds like you’re livin’ the dream."
She beamed for a moment, before looking up. Her hand shifted, then all I could see was the hotel ceiling.
"Violet? Sweetie?"
There was a moment of silence, then her voice came back in a whisper. "I miss you, Daddy. I wish you were here, too."
That kicked me in the chest. "I miss you more," I whispered back, "but I’m really glad you’re having fun with your mom. That’s important."
The video shifted and Liam appeared then, his grin half-crooked. "Hey, dad. I beat that laser ride score."
"Youdidn’t," Violet snapped, shoving his shoulder. "Your gun stopped working.”'
"Istillbeat it after I fixed it!”
The phone jostled wildly between them, spinning in dizzying angles as their laughter erupted into full-blown chaos. Somewhere in the mix I heard, “Give it back!” and, “Stop sitting on me!” before the screen tilted sideways and all I could see was a blur of carpet and limbs.
Violet's frantic voice shouted, “We’re trying to find the phone! Don’t hang up, Daddy.”
I smiled until my cheeks ached.Good God I missed them. Every loud, ridiculous second of being with them.
Then Violet’s upside-down face popped back into view, her hair flying everywhere. "Found you!"
Sloane's voice came from somewhere offscreen. "Okay, guys… say goodnight."
I stiffened as my heart stuttered from the sound of her voice. I wanted to ask how her day was, to see a glimpse of her face. But I knew the rules: she was in control. If Sloane hadn't shown herself on the call, it meant she didn't want to. And… I would have to accept that.
Violet frowned and pulled the phone close again, her voice urgent, “Wait, wait! Daddy, can we work on my project when I get back? It’s due next week and I want to paint it with you.”
Oh, my sweet, darling Violet. I have missed you so much for so long.
I swallowedagainst the lump in my throat and forced a smile. “I wouldn’t miss it,” I said. “We’ll make it awesome. Pinky promise.”
She raised her pinky to the camera and I did the same as we forged our digital vow.
“Love you,” she said around a yawn. "Night, Daddy.”
“I love you, too. G'night, bud,” I added as Liam gave me a lazy wave.
The screen went dark and the quiet rushed back, but this time it didn’t feel quite as oppressive.
