Destiney paused to take a deep breath. Late. Definitely later then every year before. A part of her felt bad for being late this year. Though she knew well her father would forgive her for it. Especially since she was busy being happy for a change.

“Hi daddy…” Destiney spoke softly as she knelt down by the grave marker to place a small bouquet of flowers she had gathered herself. Hand reaching up to gently touch the marker as tears gathered in her eyes. How she missed him so much. Even all these years since.

It felt like a gentle brush of a hand across her shoulder. Turning her head to only catch a brief glance of a familiar specter that still always lingered around her. Always there like a guardian angel. It wasn’t her father’s spirit though. Giving him a sad smile before wiping at her eyes. “Thank you, Leon. I’ll be okay.”

Her gaze going back to the marker and the flowers she had placed. “I met someone, daddy. He’s so very sweet and caring… I was with him instead of visiting. I guess time just… Got away from me this year. I’m sure you understand. I think you’d really like Syluss.” Destiney chuckled softly as she wiped at her eyes again. “He’s so different then other guys but he really truly makes me happy. Makes me feel safe.”

Taking a deep breath as she closed her eyes to fight back the tears. A longing for Syluss to hold her but she had wanted to come here alone. Even if her father couldn’t hear her. This was something she preferred was more private. Well as private as things got when there was a spirit that still watched over her.

Brushing the dirt from her pants as she stood up with a heavy sigh. “I should get going. I promised mom I’d stop by before heading home. Stefan actually agreed to join us for dinner. That’s right, daddy. Stefan finally came home…” Now the tears did fall down her cheeks. The family was almost whole again. Except for one missing piece they would never have again.

It was like a phantom brush again. She knew it was Leon trying to comfort her. In a way she wished he was more then a ghost at her side. Quickly she brushed away the tears again. So much for trying to smile for her father. It still hurt too much to remember they were without him. “I love you, daddy…”

Destiney gave the grave marker one final look before turning to head off. If she lingered longer it would be more then a few tears. Last thing she wanted to do was worry her mother if she showed up looking like she had been bawling her eyes out.