“Oh,” she said, her tone soft with something that wasn’t quite kindness. “These kinds of events can be difficult for children from incomplete families.”
My entire body went rigid.
“I’m sorry?” I said, my voice sharper than I intended.
She gave a thin smile. “I just mean, this is a father-daughter event. Sometimes it’s better not to put children in situations that highlight what’s missing.”
“My daughter isn’t missing anything,” I said, the words coming out before I could stop them. “Her father gave his life serving this country.”
The air shifted instantly.
Hannah blinked, clearly caught off guard. The other women suddenly found great interest in their phones, their bracelets, anything that would let them avoid the moment.
Before anything else could be said, the music changed.
It was one of Samuel’s favorites, the song he used to play while dancing with Anna in the living room. She recognized it instantly. I felt it in the way she pressed closer to me.
“I wish he were here,” she whispered.
