I sank onto the bench, clutching Mikey to my chest, the minutes dragging by in a haze of anxiety and disbelief. Each passing moment felt like a lifetime, the anticipation of seeing my father again mingling with the dread of the unknown threat lurking within the walls of my home.

Finally, a black car pulled up at the curb. The door swung open, and my father stepped out, looking older, wearier, but undeniably real. My heart leapt as I rose to meet him, tears spilling over.

“Dad,” I choked, taking in every detail of his face to reassure myself that he was truly there.