Because he was the most beautiful man in the world, no matter what he looked like. And because… even after years of absence, he could show up out of nowhere and somehow be the most present absent father on earth.

“Sorry I’m late,” he said, stopping in front of me. “The dye took forever to set.”

I opened my mouth, but no sound came out.

“Daddy!” Jimi shouted, running straight toward him.

I tried to stop him. I had to stop him. But I couldn’t.

The hug they shared was, without ...