My stepdad, Tim, raised me since I was 8

pang of loss.

But I also feel peace.

“I’m still your daughter,” I say. “You’re still part of my life. If you want to be.”

He nods once, slowly. But doesn’t say anything more.

The night winds down. Jason and I sneak out under a shower of sparklers, my dress dusted with glitter and grass. Tim hugs me tight before we leave.

“Do you think he’ll come around?continue reading …