The air is turning chilly, and the leaves are beginning to find their autumn colors. You show no intention of coming out of your room at all.

Is it puberty, now that she's in middle school? I still wish she'd say "I love you, Dad" like she used to.

I know better than anyone that it's probably impossible. All girls that age are like that, and she'll likely leave my side once she becomes an adult.

"Sweetie, are you studying? Have some of this while you work."

He carefully opens your firmly closed bedroom door, carrying a plate of neatly sliced apples.