**Diary Entry**
Emmas father was the kindest, jolliest manthe best dad anyone could wish for. Shed count the days till he returned from his business trips, eager for the gifts and the whirlwind of stories hed bring. Mum would brighten up when he was home, though Gran would sour and refuse to visit. Emma wished theyd get along.
Oh, the tales he told! Shed laugh till her sides ached. This time, he brought her a big doll and a fluffy white rabbit.
This rabbits a girl, right, Dad?
Yes, love. Know what her name is?
No!
Lily.
Lily? Like Mum?
So youll always have a little Lily by your side.
Dad grinned, Mum blushed, scolding him for spoiling them.
How could I not? Youre my favourite girls.
They ate supper together, and Dad spun more stories.
In the army, there was this blokehis surname was Thunderton! Built like a wardrobe, shoulders this wide he stretched his arms, strong as an ox. His best mate? Little Timmons, small as a mouse. Inseparable, they were. Then there was another chapCatton. Picture it: Catton, Timmons, and Thunderton, always together.
Emma giggled herself to sleep. The next day, they went to Hyde Park, ate ice cream, rode the carousel. She dozed on his shoulder, exhausted.
But in the morning Dad was gone.
Mum, wheres Dad? I need to brush my teeth.
Sweetheart Mum smiled, but her eyes glistened. He had to leave.
For work?
Yes, love. Urgent business.
Years passed. Dad visited sporadically. Gran sneered.
Never stays long, just grunts hello. Too busy for birthdays, eh? Bet hes got another family. Check his passport next time, Lily!
Mum! Emmas mother snapped. Enough.
But soon, Mum and Dad arguedlow whispers at first, then shouts.
Lily, Ive got obligationsI cant just
But you can hurt us, is that it?
One evening, Dad kissed Emmas forehead and left, shoulders slumped.
Gran hissed, Knew it! Begged to keep the baby, didnt he? Said if it was a boy, hed leave. Then Emma camebut he still loves her, Mum!
Loves her? Then hed stay. Whatll you tell her?
Mum wept.
Dad visited less. One day, Emma asked when hed return. Gran snapped, Who needs a father like that?
But Emma waited. She didnt know another girl, somewhere in Manchester, also called him Dad.
She hugged her rabbit, whispering, Lily, you understand, dont you? Hes still the best.
He never came back. Then, years later, she saw himholding hands with another woman, a girl her age, and a boy beside them. A proper family.
She couldnt call out. He didnt see her.
That night, Grans words finally made sense. At breakfast, she asked Mum, He has another family, doesnt he?
Mum nodded. Always did.
Then what are we?
His family too. Just not the official one.
Emma turned to the window, tears falling. Why didnt you tell me?
Because you loved him, Mum whispered. And he loved you. Still does.
She remembered Thunderton and Timmons, his laughter, his rough hand patting her head. It had been real.
At twelve, Mum married Uncle Boba decent man who barely noticed Emma. She grew up, moved into a tiny flat in Bristol, built a life. She tried not to think of Dad.
Then, out of the blue, he called.
Em! Hows work? The flat?
She kept her answers short. But when he asked to meet, she agreed.
In a café, he looked oldergrey at his temples, tired eyes. But his smile was the same.
Youre beautiful, he said, fiddling with his sleeve.
She studied himher hero, her betrayer.
Dad I know. About your other family.
He sighed. Em I never wanted to hurt you. I was a cowardcouldnt lose you, couldnt leave them.
She swallowed the urge to hug him, to shove him away.
You know, she murmured, Ill never forget how we laughed. Thunderton, Cattonyou were always the kindest. But I remember the pain too.
His head dropped. What can I do?
Just be here. No secrets.
He nodded, tears in his eyes. She touched his handand realised shed forgiven him, flaws and all.
Years later, Emma had a daughterAnnie, with chestnut curls and bright eyes. Dad visited openly now.
Grandads here! Annie squealed, launching into his arms.
That evening, he told his old stories.
In the army, there was this ladThunderton! Shoulders like this
Annies laughter echoed Emmas childhood. Her heart swelled.
Dad wasnt perfect. But he was here, honest, and Annie knew her grandad.
Tucking Annie in, Emma remembered her rabbit, Lily. She smiled.
Life wasnt as simple as shed dreamed. But watching her dad and daughter laugh at the same silly tale, she knewhappiness was possible. Just not how you expect.
**Lesson Learned:** Love isnt about perfection. Its learning to cherish the messy, flawed realitybecause sometimes, thats enough.
