I’d imagined coming home from deployment a hundred times. Never did I imagine my six-year-old daughter would be afraid to hug me.
I returned twelve days early after nine months overseas, carrying a stuffed rabbit for Ellie and chocolates for my wife, Megan.
Ellie threw herself into my arms, then glanced over her shoulder.
“Daddy, Mom said you weren’t allowed to come back.”Track Pregnancy
She hesitated before asking, “Am I in trouble for opening the door?”
My heart broke.
“No, sweetheart. You did nothing wrong.”
Behind her stood three cardboard boxes, each labeled ELLIE.
“What’s happening to your things?” I asked.
“They’re for my new room at Ryan’s house. Mommy says we’re moving Saturday.”
It was Wednesday.
Before I could ask more, Megan appeared upstairs. When she saw me, her laundry basket slipped from her hands.
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“Pat? You weren’t supposed to be home yet.”
