Prompt #41: Embrace
Word count: 413
He used to think himself a good father. It was the one thing he never failed at. Sure, finances were tight more often than not, but he had always managed to make sure Grace was well fed and clothed, even if he had to go starving and barefoot himself. And she had grown up to be a happy child, satisfied with what they had and never asking for more than he could afford. He was a good father. Devoted and attentive, determined to give her all the time in the world and compensate for the big, complete family she might have had, were her mother still around. He told her long, elaborate stories of brave princesses and daring adventures, took her to trips all over the region, invented various games to keep her constantly entertained, showered her with hugs and kisses so that under no circumstances, not for one moment, would she feel neglected and unloved.
He was not that good a father anymore. Years of solitude have distorted his mind beyond recognition. In these few weeks since she was his daughter again, he noticed he'd become obsessive, overbearing. He had an overwhelming urge to have her within reach at all times, never out of his sight for more than it took to blink, gripping for her hand at the slightest tinge of panic. His embraces became too tight, a desperate death grip of a drowning man, a second before he's pulled under.
His anxious gaze followed her as she stepped out of the school building surrounded by a group of giggling girls. He would not embarrass her, he told himself. He would not be her poor, mad father, so dependent on her.
She smiled when she noticed him, not unlike she did on the day of their reunion, and broke into a run, her arms spread wide. They locked firmly around his neck as he stooped down to meet her. His eyes filled with both joy and agony as he struggled to control the tightness of his grip. And then she turned her head, kissed his cheek, her scrawny little arms tightening around his shoulders with surprising strength.
She truly was his Grace in every meaning of the name, as non-demanding and understanding as ever, rapidly adapting to this run-down, damaged version of her Papa and already discovering that the only thing they both truly needed was a good, strong, loving embrace. Even if it is just a little bit too tight.