From campus to the workplace, from being unnoticed to becoming a part of her life.

On the day I proposed, I kneeled by the sea. The sound of the waves drowned out my trembling voice, but she smiled and nodded in response.

What a pity! The sweeter the memories, the sharper the reality.

Sighing deeply, I picked up my phone and saw a number I hadn't called in a while.

I sent a message:

[Dad, I've made up my mind. I'll be back next week.]

It was daytime on the other side of the world, and my father, Hector, replied almost instantly:

[Really? That's great!]

Then, cautiously, my father asked:

[Is Francine coming too?]

I stared at the screen, my throat tightening.

My fingers hovered over the keyboard for a few seconds before I typed a simple reply:

[Just me.]

My father stayed silent for a moment, then sent a voice message.

His voice was deep and controlled, but there was no mistaking the pain behind the words.

"Carson, no matter what happens, I will always support you."

...