Daddy, how could you? How could you do that to Mum?!
Evelyn and her friend were wandering through Hyde Park, the sun turning the grass gold, when they spotted a man and a woman beneath the sycamores. The man was holding the woman close, whispering something into her ear, and she was grinning like shed just found a five-pound note in her pocket. Evelyn couldn’t look away; her eyes stayed wide and fixed on the pair, as the world seemed to bend and stretch around them, park benches growing roots, that laughter echoing like birdsong.
Evie, whats up with you? Hello? Earth to Evie! Lizzy frowned.
Oh, its nothing. Come on, lets just go, Evelyn said, oddly hollow, and they split up soon after, walking their separate dream-paths through the dusk.
Evelyn trudged home, leaves sticking to her shoes, cobblestones seeming to melt under her steps. It simply couldnt be the image replayed in her mind: the womans radiant face, the mans secret words falling on her ear, not noticing the world, not even his own daughter! How, Daddy? You were always perfect to me, she thought, heart as heavy as an old cathedral bell. You seeing another woman? Id never have believed it if I hadnt seen it myself.
Earlier, Evelyn had left art club with Lizzy. Rain threatened but never fell. Lets walk through the park before it gets dark! Evelyn had suggested, thinking it safer to wander than to go straight home.
The park was far from their usual route, but the idea seemed stitched together by the logic of dreams, so they went.
They drifted down the main path, watching couples pass by, arm in arm, like scenes in a moving picture. No one noticed the two girls; they were invisible among the dreamy crowds.
They turned onto an empty promenade, and there was that couple: the man, older now, back slightly stooped, and the woman, visibly glowing. Lizzy, barely interested, glanced at them, but Evelyn stared, glued to the sight, breath caught.
Evie, what is it? Evie! Lizzy prodded.
Iits nothing. Lets get going, Evelyn said, walking with sudden speed.
When she left the park, Evelyns thoughts spun wildly as paper lanterns in the wind. She and Lizzy split at the old iron gates. The world swayed as she walked, head hung. That cant be real, she whispered in her mind, over and over.
The womans happy face: luminous, haloed by sunlight near the oak. The man, lost in his own world, mouth against her ear. He didnt see anything else. Not even me.
Daddy, how could you, when I love you so much? Youve always seemed perfect. But another woman? If I hadnt seen it with my own eyes
Evelyn got home late. Her mum didnt look up from the telly. Come on, dinner! she grumbled, a fork in her hand, eyes moving suspiciously. You and your father, always keeping me waiting.
Alright, Ill just wash my hands, Evelyn replied, voice barely above a whisper.
She lingered in the bathroom, watching the taps drip in slow motion. Emerging, she found her fathers chair empty. She ate her tea in silence, eyes tracing circles around her peas, then fled to her room.
She flicked open her laptop, but the glowing screen just blurred. The images from the park played again, more vivid every time. She didnt want to believe; it was like swallowing a stone.
Hes my dad. Since when did grown-ups treat betrayal as normal? Whats missing in his life why would he risk it for Something strange started to unfurl in her mind.
Does that woman even know I exist? Well, she will now
A key in the lock broke Evelyns thoughts. Her fathers voice drifted down the hallway, weary as rain on glass. Sorry, love, late one again.
Youve only ever had hard days at the end of the month, her mother replied, voice sharp as vinegar. Now its every day, isnt it?
Helen, its just how things are, her father muttered.
He peered into Evelyns room, as always, to kiss her goodnight. This time, she turned away.
Off you go, your suppers getting cold, she said, voice stiff.
Whats the matter, sweetheart?
Nothing for me. Is everything alright with you? Evelyns gaze was pointed and strange.
Her father blinked, seemed ready to speak, changed his mind, and wandered to the kitchen.
Evelyn spent the evening plotting she would get her father back. That thought drifted in and out through the night, as she finally gave way to sleeps uneven tide.
She woke up to the sound of voices through the wall.
Martin, where are you off to now? her mother called.
Work. Urgent, her father replied.
Its Saturday. You could spend the day with your family, you know.
Ill be back by lunch; well all go out then.
Evelyn left her room, feigning a yawn. Where are you off to? her mother demanded.
Ive got class, or Ill be late, Evelyn said, slipping towards the bath.
Her mother grumbled about busy children as Evelyn vanished behind the door.
She flew around the kitchen, gulping coffee as swiftly as possible. Come on, Dad! she whispered, and together they stepped out into the chilly morning.
They walked together in silence for several minutes, the city lapping quietly at the edges of their conversation, until her father said, Have I done something to upset you, sweetheart?
No, Dad. Must be, you know growing pains. But I love you, Dad, she blurted, hesitating only slightly.
Love you more than anything, Evie! he said, but his face flickered.
She caught the glint of worry in his eyes, but he pressed on, More than anything in the world.
They went on, both smiling stiff little smiles, eyes avoiding each other.
Alright, Ive got to go this way, Dad. Dont forget you promised a family day after lunch.
Evelyn hurried off as if to class, but doubled back, slipping into the shadows. She trailed her father, heart vibrating as if it would dissolve. He didnt head for work, and her hope faded like a forgotten kettle whistling on the hob.
He walked, quick and purposeful, to a part of town Evelyn barely recognised, streets twisting and warping. He paused at a block of flats, pulled out his mobile and rang.
A woman emerged five minutes later, gleaming in the pale morning sun, as if woven from dreams. Shes beautiful, Evelyn breathed. Could she really mean more to Dad than Mum and me?
The woman kissed her father, and they walked off together, arms looped in a way that made Evelyns chest fill with lost air.
This corner of London was silent, quieter than reality, the trees humming a song only she could hear. The two sat talking on a bench in a desolate little square. Their conversation seemed serious, words floating on the air like soap bubbles, then evaporating in a long, dreamlike kiss.
Evelyn watched them, fury twining in her like ivy.
After a time, they returned to the flats. A goodbye kiss, a grin. Her father disappeared into the fog, the woman inside. Evelyn hovered, unsure. She wanted to speak with this woman, needed to bend the dream.
Just then, the woman re-emerged, a shopping bag bulging with rubbish, and headed for the bins. Evelyn intercepted her, suddenly bold.
Hello! she said, as the woman turned, startled.
Yes? Can I help you?
Listen! If you see Martin again, youll have trouble. Understood? Evelyns voice was sharp, almost unreal.
Who even are you? the woman frowned.
Dont you get it?
What do you want? the woman repeated, baffled.
I think Ive made myself clear, Evelyn said quickly. Get your phone out.
The woman handed it over, and Evelyn instructed, Ring him now. Tell him hes not coming back. Im his daughter, and he loves my mum, not you!
She dialled. Evelyn could just make out her fathers voice.
Sophie, whats happened?
Martin, we cant see each other anymore.
Why? he sounded sad. Or relieved?
It just wont work. You have a family. Im leaving London after my degree. Dont come again.
Sophie, but There, an odd note of relief in his voice.
Thats it, Martin. Goodbye. Dont call.
Alright. Goodbye, Sophie, his voice broke, the phone closing the circle.
Evelyn made her way home in a trance, clouds following her. She entered the kitchen to find her parents talking amiably over cottage pie, like nothing had ever happened.
What are you so happy about? her mother asked, eyebrow raised.
Hungry? she added, half smiling.
Starving, Evelyn replied.
Why so cheerful, dear? her father asked, pretending not to know.
Dad, do you love me? she shot back.
Of course!
And Mum?
A silence as smooth as marble. Then, with sudden firmness: And your mum, too. Love both of you, truly! His words rang out, bouncing gently off the kitchen tiles.
