Chapter 184

Silence spreads yet again between my father and I, but this time it feels tense and strained. I can hear movement and the soft mumbling of people downstairs, but within these four walls it's as though both my father and I are afraid to even breathe. Luckily it doesn't take too long before my father breaks the silence by clearing his throat. My eyes are still fixed on the uneven floorboards as I'm still feeling extremely vulnerable after my outburst. My father's heavy footsteps move closer and soon the tips of his newly shined shoes enter my line of sight. His movements are slow, tentative almost, as though he is approaching some wild unfamiliar animal. Then he expels a deep sigh and suddenly I'm wrapped into his strong arms in a deeply awaited embrace. On instinct my arms find their way around his waist and I hold on tight, welcoming my father's comfort. "I'm so sorry, Bella," he whispers gruffly in my ear and tears immediately well up in my eyes.