ALIANA

My father never appreciated surprises or any sort of change.

He appreciated organization. Timetables. Consistency.

Therefore when the security guard downstairs phoned to inform me "Ma’am your father has arrived " my immediate reaction was fear.

My second was guilt.

My third sensation was the known constriction, in my chest that appeared solely from being a daughter first above all else.

I rose abruptly that my chair scraped loudly across the floor.

“Have him come in " I said swiftly already straightening my blouse already steeling myself for a dialogue I hadn’t rehearsed but somehow always expected to happen.

Jenna asked who had been going through Michael’s mother’s gift....