Ella nodded, a spoonful of cereal halfway to her mouth. I want you to know something, Carara said. Your daddy is one of the best people I've ever met. and I'm very sorry that he missed your play because of me. Ella considered this with the gravity only an 8-year-old can muster. That's okay.
Angela recorded it on her phone and sent it to Daddy. He can watch it whenever he wants. She looked at her father. Can we watch it now, Daddy? I want to show the lady my solo.
Harry pulled out his phone and found the video Angela had sent the night before. He hadn't been able to bring himself to watch it then, but now with Ella bouncing excitedly in her chair and Carara standing quietly beside him, he pressed play. The video was shaky, filmed from somewhere in the middle of the audience, but Harry could see his daughter clearly. She was wearing a costume made of green felt and cardboard leaves and she was singing about the importance of recycling with the absolute conviction that only elementary school performers possess. And then near the end of the song, Ella looked directly at the camera.
She smiled and waved just a tiny wave almost like she knew her father would be watching later. "Daddy," video Ella said, breaking character entirely. I know you're busy, but I love you. The audience laughed. Angela's voice could be heard saying, "Oh, honey." And then the video ended.
Harry realized his cheeks were wet. "That's my favorite part," Ella said matterofactly. "I added it myself. Mrs. Patterson said it wasn't in the script, but I told her my daddy might not be there, so I wanted to say hi just in case." Carara stood up slowly. She looked at Harry, then at Ella, then at the modest kitchen with its crayon drawings and its school photos and its evidence of a life built on love and sacrifice.
I should go, she said quietly. I've taken enough of your morning. But Harry, thank you for everything. I won't forget it. He called her a cab, and she left wearing his old t-shirt and sweatpants because her dress was still ruined.