Underwater Read Free Page B

worked at schooling his expression and hiding his emotions.
    But I could read him like a book.
    Hearing the knock on the door, I got up and opened it to Lettie’s bright face. Lettie Maier was my dad’s little sister. And no matter what, she always managed to brighten the room just by walking into it.
    “Hey, Lettie,” I said, giving her a hug. “Thanks for coming.”
    “Nonsense. You know I’m always here when you need me.” I started to pull away but she held on. “I’m so proud of you, Aria,” she said in my ear. “Let me know if you need anything. You’re doing great.”
    The tears threatened to fall. I fought to keep them in, my throat burning from the effort.” My vision blurred. I couldn’t breathe. I held so much pain inside that I felt I was going to break into tiny pieces. “Th-thank you, Lettie,” I choked out and then stepped aside to let her inside the house.
    I avoided my parents’ eyes and snuck away to the bathroom to wash the tears that had fallen. My reflection in the mirror revealed a thinner face, paler skin, and dark circles underneath my eyes. The stress and anxiety were taking its toll. Sighing deeply, I dried my face with a towel near the sink and headed back into the living room.
    While I was gone, my dad had moved to sit in a wooden chair with Lettie standing beside him, holding the electric hair-trimmer. He was on the verge of tears and my heart lurched painfully.
    I moved closer and then crouched down in front of him. “Dad, look at me.” Waiting for him to respond, I placed light kisses on his hands.
    He didn’t move.
    “Dad! Look at me! ”
    He opened his eyes slowly. I could see the darkness wrapping around him and pulling him in and I couldn’t let him get lost in it.
    And just like that, I knew what I should do.
    Standing abruptly, I told Lettie to wait for my return. I rushed to my room and brought my guitar back with me. One of the things I shared with my dad was our passion for music. Sometimes, when we had no words to express ourselves, we used music to share our feelings.
    Entering the living room, I sat crossed legged in front of him on the floor, arranging my guitar. Caressing the strings, I decided on the perfect song. I had listened to it on repeat lately, the words portraying exactly the way I felt. There was no better way to convey what I wanted to tell him than this precise song. I wanted him to know that I was here with him every step of the way, no matter what, and that he was not alone.
    Nodding in Lettie’s direction, I let her know she could start shaving. She gave me a sad smile and began the task. I stroked the strings lightly, and when I felt the time was right, I started to play.
    Watching my dad closely, I could see the moment the music started to get through to him. He lifted his head and looked at me with wonder, while I sang I Won’t Let Go by Rascal Flatts . Singing in front of people always made me nervous, but I moved beyond it this time because all I cared about was this man who raised me like his princess and showered me with love from the day I was born.
    I sang softly and the melody and lyrics filled the air as I tried to tune out the machine that cut away his love and joy, his beautiful long hair. I didn’t look away from his eyes even for a second, trying to tell him... I’m right here no matter what… whiletrying hard not to fall apart.
    Understanding dawned on him. He was getting it. Oh god, he was finally getting it . The tip of his mouth started to lift, but it wasn’t enough. I wanted him to smile. Choosing this song, I wanted to make him believe he could win. He lost the fight for his hair, but we wouldn’t let him lose the fight for his life.
    And I planned to make us whole again.
    Feeling my lips lift too, I gave him my best smile and crooned the last notes. Lettie and my mom were both watching me with tears in their eyes.
    Getting up from my seat, I leaned the guitar on the wall and went straight to my dad. With a tear