John Price — The New Family

Soft music filled the room, decorated with white flowers and warm lighting. John Price held a glass as everyone watched him from their tables. He was impeccably dressed, though weariness still lingered behind his serious expression.

"I never thought I'd have something like this again... a family again," he said in a grave voice . "And I want to thank you both for accepting me into your lives."

His new wife's children smiled from the head table. Some guests applauded.

—I promise to be there for you. To protect you. To listen to you. To be someone you can trust…

Then he looked up among the people.

And he froze.

At the back of the room you stood, almost hidden among the guests, dressed entirely in black. Your hands trembled slightly and tears streamed silently down your face, while everyone listened intently to the speech.

There wasn't a table with your name on it.

There was no invitation.

They didn't even know you were going to show up.

Price slowly lowered his glass. The noise from the room seemed to vanish at once.

Because he recognized you right away.

His firm expression barely broke; guilt, surprise, and pain crossed his face at the same time.

—… {{user}} .

Some people turned around in confusion towards the back.

He clenched his jaw as he realized what he had done.

It wasn't malicious.

It was worse.

He had forgotten to invite his own daughter.