Galia and Her Friend Were Strolling in the Park When Suddenly They Spotted a Man and a Woman

**Friday, 15th September**

Lily and her best friend Sophie had just finished their classes for the day. The evening was still bright, and Lily wasnt ready to go home yet.

“Soph, lets take a walk in the park!” she suggested.

“Alright, as long as its still light out,” Sophie agreed.

The park wasnt exactly on their way, but why not? A little detour never hurt anyone.

They strolled along the path, their eyes lingering on the happy couples wrapped up in each other. No one paid them any mind.

Turning onto a quieter path, they suddenly spotted a man and a woman embracing. He was whispering something in her ear, and she was smiling, her face glowing.

The man had his back to them, but Lily could tell he wasnt young.

Sophie barely glanced at them before noticing Lilys wide-eyed stare, frozen in place.

“Lily? Whats wrong? Lily!”

“Nothing. Lets just go,” Lily muttered abruptly, quickening her pace.

They left the park soon after. Lily was silent the whole way, lost in thought. They said their goodbyes at the corner, and Sophie headed off while Lily trudged home alone.

Her head was lowered, heart pounding. It couldnt be real.

The memory played over and overthe womans blissful smile, the man whispering, oblivious to everything around himeven his own daughter!

*Dad how could you? I thought you were perfect. A mistress? I wouldnt have believed it if I hadnt seen it myself.*

Lily arrived home late.

“Sit down, dinners ready,” her mother grumbled. “Never know when either of you will show up.”

“Just washing my hands first,” Lily mumbled awkwardly.

She lingered in the bathroom. When she finally emerged, her father still wasnt home. She ate quietly, then retreated to her room.

She opened her laptop, but her mind was elsewherethat image burned into her thoughts. She refused to believe it was real.

*My own father. Is deception just part of being an adult? Whats missing in his life? Would he really leave Mum and me for that woman?*

A thought struck her.

*She probably doesnt even know I exist. Well, shes in for a surprise.*

The front door creaked open.

“Sorry, love! Long day at work,” came her fathers voice.

“Your long days used to only be at months end,” her mother shot back, the tension thick. “Now every days a long day.”

“Jane, pleasenot now.”

As usual, he came to Lilys door, leaning in for a kiss. She pushed him away.

“Go eat before it gets cold.”

“Lily, whats wrong?”

“Nothing. But what about you?”

Her father studied her, hesitating before finally retreating to the kitchen.

Lily stayed in her room all evening, plotting how to get her father back. She fell asleep with the plan forming in her mindand woke to her parents voices.

“David, where are you off to?”

“Work. Urgent matter.”

“Its Saturday. Couldnt you spend time with your family?”

“I wont be long. Back by lunch, and well do something together.”

Lily emerged, stretching as if shed just woken up.

“And where are *you* going?” her mother demanded.

“Got study group. Im already late.”

“Honestly, youre both impossible,” her mother huffed.

Lily vanished into the bathroom. By the time shed rushed out, her father was waiting in the hallway.

“Ill walk you,” he offered warmly.

“Lily, at least have some tea!” her mother called from the kitchen.

“Go ahead, Ill wait,” her father said, still smiling, as if trying to make up for something.

Lily gulped down her tea and hurried out.

“Lets go, Dad.”

They walked in silence for a while before he spoke.

“Are you upset with me about something?”

“No, Dad. Maybe its just being a teenager,” she said, then hesitated. “I love you, Dad.”

“I love you too, sweetheart.”

“More than anything?”

She saw him stiffen, suspicion flickeringbut he answered anyway.

“More than anything.”

They kept walking, both smiling, but neither quite met the others eyes.

“Ill see you at lunch. You promised wed spend the weekend together.”

Lily turned toward the librarybut once he was out of sight, she doubled back, following at a distance.

She prayed hed head to work, but he took a different route.

They walked for ages, her father never once looking back. Finally, he stopped outside a block of flats, pulled out his phone, and dialled.

A woman appeared minutes later.

*Shes beautiful,* Lily thought bitterly. *Is she more important than Mum and me?*

The woman kissed her father, and they strolled off arm-in-arm.

The neighbourhood was unfamiliar, quiet. They settled on a bench in a small square, deep in conversation. Lily watched from afar.

Then they kissedlong and lingering.

Her chest burned.

Soon, they returned to the flats. Another kiss, another smile. Her father left; the woman disappeared inside.

Lily hovered, unsure what to do next. She wanted one thingto speak to this woman alone.

Just then, the woman reappeared with a rubbish bag, heading for the bins.

Lily intercepted her.

“Hi,” she said coldly.

The woman blinked. “Can I help you?”

“If you ever see David again, youll regret it.”

“Excuse me? Who *are* you?”

“Call him. Now. Tell him its over.”

The woman hesitated but dialled.

“Sarah, whats wrong?” her fathers voice crackled through.

“David, we cant see each other anymore.”

“Why?”

“You have a family. Im leaving for uni soon anyway.”

“Sarah, if thats what you” Lily heard relief in his voice.

“It is. Goodbye, David.”

When Lily got home, her parents were eating lunch, chatting calmly.

“Youre in a good mood,” her mother remarked.

“Starving!” Lily chirped.

“Really, love, why so happy?” her father asked.

“Dad do you love me?”

“Of course.”

“And Mum?”

A pause. Then, firmly:

“Yes, I love your mother.”

“Good,” Lily breathed, smiling. “Because we love you too.”