“I wish you could meet him, Papa. He’s so handsome…and so gentle. He’s the finest man I know…now that you’re not here, of course. But don’t worry…Roman will give me away at our wedding. He already went to get his suit measured, and I know he’ll look handsome and all grown up on the day. He says he’s even going to give a speech at the party afterwards! I want you to know that we’ll be thinking of you…and hoping that somehow you can see what’s happening. We’ll all be safe, Papa…thanks to Charlie. He’ll take care of all of us.”
The tears flowed down her cheeks, and Alina was glad she’d remember to bring a pack of Kleenex. She leaned forward, resting her head on the cool metal for several seconds.
“Goodbye, Papa…I promise I’ll come back soon. I love you so much.”
She took the long way back
