CHAPTER 32

I ran towards him hurriedly, almost tripping on myself in the process.

The minute I came in contact with him I felt tears that had been bottled up for the longest time spill out immediately.

I missed him so much, just the thought that I wasn't going to be stuck in some house or cellar for the longest time gave me cause to squeeze him even more.

“Oh dad” I said, crying on his shoulder like a pup that had been ripped from his mother's breasts.

“My baby. Oh Celeste. I thought I had lost you forever” he said, gently patting my back over and over again.

Fresh tears threatened to pour out at the sound of that but I maintained my cool. Coughing, I let go of him slightly and just looked at him.

He seemed to have aged a lot since the last time I saw him. His weight had greatly reduced and he had worry lines on his face.

I frowned, taking in his composure and stance to detect any signs of illness or maybe it was just fatigued.

“Dad?...” I began to say but he waved me off and just took my hand.