That evening, Daniel found Emma at the kitchen table working on her art assignment.
She’d decided to draw my portrait after all.
She’d been working on it for a week. She wouldn’t let me see it. Every time I came into the kitchen, she’d flip the paper over and glare at me until I left.
But that night, she didn’t flip it over when Daniel came in.
I was standing at the stove making tea. I could see it from where I stood.
It was me. In pencil. Every line of my face. The little crease between my eyebrows. The mole by my ear. The gray coming in at my temples.
And I was laughing.
Laughing with my mouth wide open. My big front teeth showing. My head tipped back. Not one hand anywhere near my face.
Daniel stood behind Emma’s chair and studied it for a long time.
“You got your mom’s smile exactly right,” he said.
Emma grinned up at him.
“She used to hide it, you know.”
“I remember,” Daniel said. “I was there.”
Emma set down her pencil.
“Dad?”
“Yeah, kiddo?”
“Did you know Tyler was going to tell us about his arms? When you invited him to dinner?”
“No,” Daniel said. “I didn’t know anything about that. I had no idea.”
“Then why were you so calm? That whole time?”
Daniel pulled out the chair next to her and sat down.
“Because I knew you were watching how we handled it,” he said. “Your mom and me. And I didn’t want you to grow up thinking that loving somebody means yelling at them until they agree with you.”
Emma thought about that.
“Did you want me to break up with him?”
“I wanted you to know you had a choice,” Daniel said.
“Even if I still liked him?”
Daniel reached over and tucked a loose piece of hair behind her ear.
“Especially then, Em. Especially then.”
Ethan Blake is a skilled Creative Content Specialist with a talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives. With a strong background in storytelling and digital content creation, Ethan brings a unique perspective to his role at TheArchivists, where he curates and produces captivating content for a global audience.
Ethan holds a degree in Communications from Zurich University, where he developed his expertise in storytelling, media strategy, and audience engagement. Known for his ability to blend creativity with analytical precision, he excels at creating content that not only entertains but also connects deeply with readers.
At TheArchivists, Ethan specializes in uncovering compelling stories that reflect a wide range of human experiences. His work is celebrated for its authenticity, creativity, and ability to spark meaningful conversations, earning him recognition among peers and readers alike.
Passionate about the art of storytelling, Ethan enjoys exploring themes of culture, history, and personal growth, aiming to inspire and inform with every piece he creates. Dedicated to making a lasting impact, Ethan continues to push boundaries in the ever-evolving world of digital content.