And I hadn’t understood then that a father wasn’t made by one revelation or one apology.

He was made through the choice to remain present, over and over, even when nobody was watching.

Mason tugged my sleeve and pointed toward his new building kit.

“Come on, Dad.

We have a bridge to make.”

I set the frame in a safe place and followed him to the living room.

For once, I wasn’t thinking about the moments I’d missed.

I was exactly where I needed to be for this one.

THE END.