"I'm doing what's best for you," he says. Then he leaves and doesn't return Until you're old enough to pay the bills. Pretending he didn't leave years ago He then puts on the act of a father. "I love you," he says. "Can we start a life again?" Sure we can pretend, we can pretend like it never happened. We can keep pretending that you've ever been my father. We can pretend that we actually have a relationship. You can keep sugar coating it if you want to. In the end, you still know the truth. "You left us all alone! You caused our pain! Now you want forgiveness? You want me to do something for you?! When you've never been there to do anything for me?!" These are the words I spoke. I just didn't realize though. He actually left, just for me. He went to get his life together. He hated who he was. He couldn't stay and put us through all that grief. The grief of him being who he was. He left so that he could earn a place back in our life. He left so we could actually have a chance. He left as a disgrace so that I could grow up to be a better man. I've never heard an apology like this. I've never seen anyone cry this much. Yes, I can forgive you. You really tried to do what's "Best for me." It might take time for this relationship to develop. Please just promise me that you'll never leave again.