“It’s no big deal…just lost my temper.” He said standing up and putting his hands behind his back.

“We need to get those cleaned up and bandaged.” My mother said her doctor instincts taking over her emotions.

Glen nodded his head and they walked to the door. My mother turned back towards me and gave me a small smile probably trying to reassure me that everything would be ok.

My father remained standing and I could tell that he was ready to break down.

“Dad…” I said softly. He looked down at me and gave me a small smile.

“How are you feeling sweetie?” He said sitting down in the chair.

“I’m a little tired and my back hurts but other than that I’m fine.” I said in response.

He nodded his head and took my hand.

“How are you doing Dad?” I asked watching every move my father made.

He took a deep breath and squeezed my hand. “I’m hanging in their kiddo.”

“It’s ok for you to cry in front of me dad…”

He looked at me and nodded his head. “I know…I know…”

We sat there for a few minutes. I held onto his hand and squeezed every once and awhile to keep reminding him that he wasn’t alone.

“Ashley wanted me to tell you something…” He said out of nowhere.

My eyes which were beginning to close snapped open when I heard Ashley’s name mentioned.  I looked at my father with anxious eyes and held my breath.

“She…she said to let you know that she wasn’t going anywhere and that you were always her choice and that she loved you.” He said softly.

My heart sped up and a small smile formed on my face. I looked at the door anxiously wondering if she was still out there. Of course she was still out there or at least that’s what I hoped.

My thoughts were broken when I heard a sob coming from my father’s direction. I looked back at my father and saw his strong shell break and he lowered his head letting out all of the pain he had been holding in up to that point.