A Moment of Truth.

Kenzy's eyes locked onto her father's as she approached the table, her heart pounding in her chest like a drum. The sounds of the café seemed to fade away, and for a moment, it was just the two of them, suspended in a sea of uncertainty. Her father, Jack Harris, stood up as she drew near, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions: regret, longing, and a hint of hope. "Kenzy," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, as if he was afraid of scaring her away. Kenzy's gaze drifted to Levi, who stood beside her, offering silent support. She could feel his eyes on her, but she didn't dare look at him, not yet. Her father gestured to the chair across from him, and Kenzy sat down, trying to process the emotions swirling inside her. The silence between them was palpable, and she could feel the weight of years of unspoken words hanging in the air. "I'm glad you came," Jack said, his voice cracking slightly as he broke the silence. Kenzy's eyes searched his face, trying to read between the lines. What did he mean by that? Was he glad she'd come, or was he just relieved that she had? Her father cleared his throat, his eyes avoiding hers for a moment before focusing on her. "I know it's been a long time," he said, his voice laced with a hint of sadness. "I'm not sure where to start." Kenzy took a deep breath and reached for her coffee cup, her hand trembling slightly as she raised it to her lips. She didn't know what to expect, but she was determined to face whatever came her way. "I've missed you," her father said, his voice barely above a whisper. The words hung in the air, like a challenge, and Kenzy felt her heart twist with emotion. She had missed him too, but her mind was a jumble of questions and doubts. "I'm glad you're here," Jack said, his eyes locked onto hers. "I've thought about you every day since...since everything happened." Kenzy's gaze drifted away, her mind racing with memories of her childhood, of her parents' messy divorce, and of the countless times she'd wished her father was there for her. The pain and the anger she'd been carrying for years resurfaced, but this time, she felt ready to face them head-on. "What do you want to talk about, Dad?" she asked, her voice firm but controlled. Her father's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, and for a moment, Kenzy saw a glimmer of the man she used to know. "I want to tell you everything," he said, his voice filled with a longing that seemed to bridge the years between them. "I want to explain, to apologize, and to make things right." Kenzy's heart skipped a beat as she considered his words. What did he mean by "make things right"? What did he hope to achieve by meeting her now? The questions swirled in her mind, but before she could ask them aloud, her father continued, his voice filled with a sense of urgency. "I know I wasn't there for you when you needed me most, but I want you to know that I've thought about you every day since...since we lost touch. I've regretted my past actions, and I want to make it right, Kenzy." Kenzy's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with possibilities. Was this a genuine attempt at reconciliation, or was it just another way of easing his own guilt? As she searched her father's face, she saw something there that gave her hope – a deep regret and a longing to make amends. "Tell me," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Her father's eyes locked onto hers, filled with a determination that gave her pause. "Where do I even begin?" he asked, taking a deep breath before launching into a story that would change everything.