Chapter 16: The Weight of Unspoken Words

The dim lighting of the café cast a warm glow over the small table where Kenzy sat across from her father, the air thick with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and the soft hum of conversation from other patrons. Jack's eyes, filled with a deep sadness, locked onto hers as he began to speak, his voice low and measured. "I remember the day your mother and I decided to get a divorce like it was yesterday," he said, his words dripping with regret. "We'd been arguing for months, and the tension between us had become unbearable. I thought I was doing what was best for both of you, for her, and for me, but in hindsight, I realize I was wrong." Kenzy's gaze drifted to Levi, who stood silently by her side, his eyes fixed on her father with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. She could sense his tension, his desire to protect her from the pain that was about to unfold. "I was so focused on my own feelings, my own hurt, that I didn't consider the impact it would have on you and your mother," Jack continued, his voice cracking with emotion. "I was young, stupid, and selfish. I didn't realize what I was taking away from you, from your childhood." As he spoke, Kenzy felt a lump form in her throat, her mind racing with memories of her parents' messy divorce. She remembered the fights, the tears, and the uncertainty that had gripped her life. Her father's words struck a chord deep within her, and she felt a wave of emotions wash over her. "I know I wasn't there for you, Kenzy," Jack said, his eyes welling up with tears. "I know I missed birthdays, holidays, and countless moments that I can never get back. But I want you to know that I've thought about you every day since we lost touch. I've regretted my past actions, and I've tried to make sense of what happened." The café's background noise seemed to fade away, leaving only the sound of Jack's words and Kenzy's racing heart. She felt like she was reliving her childhood, reliving the pain and the anger she'd carried for so long. "What happened, Dad?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Jack took a deep breath, his eyes searching hers before he began to speak. "Your mother and I, we were high school sweethearts. We got married young, and I thought I'd found my soulmate. But as time went on, I realized I wasn't ready for the responsibilities that came with marriage and parenthood. I felt trapped, Kenzy, and I didn't know how to escape." Kenzy's mind reeled as she processed her father's words. She'd never heard him speak so honestly, so vulnerably. A part of her wanted to turn away, to shut her ears to the pain he was revealing, but another part of her, a part that she'd thought was long dead, stirred to life. "I'm sorry, Kenzy," Jack said, his voice cracking with emotion. "I'm sorry for the pain I caused you, for the hurt I inflicted on your mother. I'm sorry for not being there for you when you needed me most." The words hung in the air, heavy with regret and longing. Kenzy felt a pang of sadness, but also a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something new, something that would heal the wounds of the past and bring them together in a way she never thought possible. As she looked into her father's eyes, she saw something there that gave her the courage to take the next step. "Tell me more, Dad," she said, her voice firm but gentle. "Tell me everything."