Facing the Unknown
Part 14
The sunlight cast a warm glow on their skin as they walked back to Kenzy's apartment, the sounds of the city filling the air. Levi's hand still wrapped around hers, a comforting presence that seemed to anchor her to reality. As they approached the building, Kenzy slowed her pace, her mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. She stopped in front of the apartment door, turning to Levi with a determined look on her face. "I think I'm ready to hear him out," she said, her voice firm but laced with a hint of uncertainty. Levi's expression turned serious, his eyes searching hers. "You sure?" he asked, his voice low and gentle. Kenzy nodded, a sense of resolve settling in her chest. "I need to do this. For me, for him, and for us." Levi's face softened into a gentle smile. "I'm here for you, no matter what," he said, his words a promise. With a newfound sense of purpose, Kenzy pulled out her phone and sent a text to her father, agreeing to meet him for lunch the following day. Her heart skipped a beat as she hit send, a mix of emotions swirling inside her. The rest of the day passed in a blur, with Kenzy and Levi running errands and completing tasks in a comfortable silence. It wasn't until they were back in Kenzy's apartment, curled up on the couch, that Levi spoke up. "Hey, can I ask you something?" he said, his voice tinged with curiosity. Kenzy turned to him, her eyes questioning. "What is it?" "What's the worst that could happen?" Levi asked, his eyes locked onto hers. "I mean, if you meet your dad and things don't go as planned?" Kenzy's gaze drifted away, her thoughts consumed by the possibilities. "I don't know," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I guess I've always been afraid of getting hurt, or of him not being able to make things right." Levi's expression turned thoughtful. "And what if he can't?" he asked, his voice soft. "What if he doesn't have the answers you're looking for?" Kenzy's heart skipped a beat as she considered the possibility. What if her father didn't have the answers she sought? What if he just wanted to reopen old wounds? The thought sent a shiver down her spine, but as she looked into Levi's reassuring eyes, she felt a sense of calm wash over her. She knew that no matter what happened, she had him by her side. The next morning, Kenzy woke up early, her mind racing with thoughts of the impending meeting. She had spent the night tossing and turning, her dreams filled with visions of her father and what he might say. As she lay in bed, she couldn't shake off the feeling that she was walking into the unknown. Levi stirred beside her, his arm wrapping around her waist. "Hey, you okay?" he asked, his voice husky with sleep. Kenzy nodded, trying to reassure herself as much as him. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little nervous, I guess." Levi's grip on her tightened. "You're not alone in this," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "We'll face it together, okay?" With a newfound sense of determination, Kenzy swung her legs over the side of the bed and planted her feet firmly on the ground. She was ready to face her past, and with Levi by her side, she felt a sense of courage she hadn't felt in years. As they got ready for the day, Kenzy's mind kept wandering back to her father. What would he say? How would he react? And what would happen if things didn't go as planned? The questions swirled in her head, but she knew she had to take this step. For herself, for her family, and for the future. The hours ticked by, and before she knew it, the time had arrived to meet her father. Kenzy's stomach twisted with anxiety as she stood in front of the mirror, smoothing out her hair. She took a deep breath, her eyes locking onto Levi's. "Ready?" he asked, his voice low and reassuring. Kenzy nodded, and together they left the apartment, ready to face whatever lay ahead. As they walked to the café, Kenzy's heart pounded in her chest, but with Levi by her side, she felt a sense of courage she hadn't felt in years. Their meeting was scheduled for 1 pm, and Kenzy had arrived at the café 15 minutes early. She glanced at Levi, who gave her a reassuring smile. "Hey, you're not alone in this," he said, his voice a gentle reminder of his presence. "I'm here for you, no matter what." Kenzy's eyes welled up with tears as she took in the sight of Levi, his calm demeanor a balm to her frazzled nerves. She knew that no matter what happened, she had him to lean on. The door to the café swung open, and Kenzy took a deep breath before stepping inside. The sounds of chatter and clinking dishes filled the air, and she scanned the room, her eyes locking onto a familiar figure. Her father sat at a table by the window, his eyes fixed on her as she approached. He looked older, his face lined with age and worry, but his eyes still held a spark of warmth that Kenzy remembered from her childhood. As she approached the table, her heart skipped a beat. This was it – the moment of truth. The moment she would finally face her past and see what the future held. With Levi by her side, Kenzy steeled herself and walked towards her father, ready to face whatever lay ahead.