Chapter 5: Footprints in the Grass
Determined to bridge the distance, Daniel volunteered to take Maya to the local park on Tuesday afternoon. The bright playground was alive with the laughter of children and the chatter of parents on park benches.
Daniel kept a rigid watch from three feet away, his muscles coiled, scanning the perimeter of the fenced park. When an older boy kicked a soccer ball that rolled toward Maya, Daniel intercepted it instantly with an icy stare that made the teenager step back nervously.
Maya looked up at her father, tilted her head, and pointed at the swing set. "Up, Daddy. Up."
Daniel swallowed hard. He lifted her tiny frame and set her gently into the bucket swing. Pushing her with just the tips of his fingers, he watched her blond hair catch the afternoon sun. With every push, her giggles grew louder.
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For the first time in ten months, Daniel felt the knot in his ribcage loosen. A faint, genuine smile touched his lips.
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