Oh, youll love this story. So, Julias dad is just the bestso fun, so kind, honestly the greatest dad ever. Shes always counting down the days till he comes back from his business trips, brings her presents, and tells her all these wild stories.
When hes home, Mums all smiles, but Gran? Oh, shes proper cross. Wont even come round. Julia wishes theyd just get along.
And the stories he tells! She laughs so hard her stomach hurts. This time, Dad brought her a massive doll and this fluffy white rabbit.
This rabbits a girl, right, Dad?
Yeah, Jules. Know what her name is?
Nooo.
Lizzie.
Lizzie? Like Mum?
Yeah, so you always have a little Lizzie with you.
Mum and Dad smile at each other. Hes got gifts for her too, and Mum goes all shy, saying he spoils them.
How could I not? Youre my favourite girls.
They have dinner, and Dad tells Julia more of his hilarious army stories.
There was this one bloke in our unityoull never guess his last name.
What? Julia asks.
Thunderclap. Built like a brick wall, shoulders this wide Dad spreads his arms. But his best mate? Tiny little bloke, last name Mouse. And then there was this other lad, last name Cat. So youve got Thunderclap, Mouse, and Catalways stuck together.
Julias in stitches, and she falls asleep happy.
The next day, they go to the park, eat ice cream, ride the carouselshes so knackered she conks out on Dads shoulder.
But in the morning hes gone.
Mum, wheres Dad? Is he in the shower?
Mums at the table, looking thoughtful.
Sweetheart Dad had to leave.
For work? Urgent work?
Yeah, love. Urgent work.
As Julia grows up, Dad still visits, but less often. Gran wont hear a word about him.
Never says hello properly, just grunts. Misses birthdays, holidaysalways work, innit? Wont get marriedpfft, secretive. Bet hes already married, Lizzie.
Mum! Julias mum snaps. Stop it.
But then Mum and Dad start arguing. Quiet at first, then louder.
Lizzie, youve got to understandIve got commitments. I cant just
But you can do this to us, can you?
Dad leaves looking gutted. Doesnt even stay the night.
Grans fuming. Told you, didnt I? Secretive. Bet hes got another family.
Mum finally admits it. I knew. Found out too late. He begged me to keep the babysaid if it was a boy, hed leave. Then Julia came but he loves her, Mum. Adores her.
Does he? Then hed be here.
Dad visits less and less. One day, Julia asks when hes coming. Mum shrugs. Gran snaps, Who needs a father like that?
But Julia still waits.
She doesnt know theres another girl, maybe her age, in another town, calling her dad Dad too.
Julia hugs her rabbit and whispers, Lizzie, youre a girl you understand, dont you? Hes still the best.
Then one day she sees him. With another woman, a girl her age, a boy about as old as the years she hasnt seen him. Theyre laughing, holding handsa proper family.
She wants to call out, but the words stick. He doesnt even see her.
That night, Grans words echo in her head. The other family. Its true.
Next morning, she asks Mum. Hes got another family, hasnt he?
Mum looks out the window. Yes, love. Always did.
Then what are we?
We were his family too. Just not the proper one.
Julia turns away. Wants to scream, but just cries. Why didnt you tell me?
Because you loved him. And so did I. And he loved you. Still does. Lifes just messy.
Julia remembers the stories, the laughter, the way he ruffled her hair. It was real. He *was* the best.
At twelve, Mum marries Uncle Barry. Hes not cruel, just acts like Julias not there.
She grows up, gets a job, a tiny flat. Tries not to think about Dadit hurts.
Then, years later, he calls. Like nothing happened.
Darling! How are you? Got a job? A flat?
She keeps it short. But he asks to meet.
Hes older nowgrey at the temples, tired eyes. But that same grin.
Youre beautiful, he says. All grown up.
She looks at himnot just best dad, but the man who lied.
Dad I know. About your other family.
He sighs. Julia Im sorry. I never wanted you to hurt. Youll always be my girl. I was just a coward.
Shes tornwanting to hug him, shove him away.
I cant forget the laughs, she says. Thunderclap, Cat, Mouse. You were the funniest, kindest. But I remember the pain too.
What can I do, Jules? How do I fix this?
She realiseshes scared. Scared of losing her for good.
Just be here. No secrets. Just be my dad.
He nods, eyes wet.
She touches his hand. And in that moment, she forgives. Not for what he did, but because hes still her dadflaws and all.
Years later, Julia has a daughterAnnie. Blonde, big brown eyes.
Dad visits. No rush, no secrets. Annies over the moon.
Grandads here! she squeals, running to him.
He kneels, hugs her tight, laughs that same laugh.
After dinner, he tells Annie the old stories.
There was this soldier in our unitguess his last name?
What? Annies eyes widen.
Thunderclap! He spreads his arms.
Annie giggles just like Julia used to.
That night, tucking Annie in, Julia remembers her white rabbit, Lizzie.
Lifes not how she dreamed. But watching her dad and her daughter laugh at the same story?
Happiness is possible. Just not how you expect.
