I imagined hundreds of times how I would return home after the trip. But it never occurred to me that my six-year-old daughter would be afraid to hug me.
I returned twelve days ahead of schedule after nine months abroad. I brought a plush rabbit for Ellie and chocolate for my wife Megan.
Ellie threw herself at my arms and then looked over her shoulder.
Daddy, Mom said you can’t go back.
She hushed up before asking:
Will I be punished for opening the door?
My heart is broken into thousands of fragments.
- No, honey. You didn’t do anything wrong.
There were three cardboard boxes behind her. Each was written “ELLI.”
What is going on with your things?
They’re for my new room at Ryan’s house. Mom said we’re moving Saturday.
