He suddenly put his phone away, knelt beside her, and gently lifted her into his arms, tears in his eyes. “Daddy’s trying his best, baby,” he whispered. I watched as he clumsily tried to feed her, sang her silly songs, and practiced a little dance, wiping sweat from his forehead as though he feared failing. Later, he sat on the floor, looking exhausted, whispering, “I’m so scared you won’t love me if I don’t do this right.” In that moment, I saw not distance—but fear.