The little old man sat on a bench near the entrance to a fancy restaurant to meet his daughter for dinner. Every year they met at the same restaurant for his birthday dinner. An evening he looked forward to and cherished, even though they struggled to discuss their lives. It was difficult because they had different views but were the same in other ways. Both were stubborn but she was also sensitive when her dad tried to give her advice. Something he was aware of but found difficult to control. They both had similar personalities, Lottie knew this and it bothered her. Their likeness didn’t make them gel. The issues each had were a bad combination for starting a friendly conversation.
Conrad, the old man, told himself he would not be judgmental and do his best to
keep his words light and friendly. His daughter, Charlotte, lived out of town and was always busy, but this was not uncommon for a single mother of three girls. He called her Lottie as did most people.
It was a chilly night, but still, Conrad didn’t mind waiting outside for Lottie to
arrive. Since she was always prompt he knew she would be here in a few minutes. But that night was different, Lottie didn’t show up. Conrad eventually moved inside after an hour to wait in the warmth on a comfortable chair. He didn’t call her because she rarely answered her phone. She preferred texting, and he didn’t text.
About a half hour passed when a police officer entered the restaurant turned
to the old man and asked. “Are you waiting for your daughter?”
“Yes, I am. Is everything okay?”
“Is your daughter Charlotte?”
“Yes, but I call her Lottie.”
“She’s doing fine, but she’s in the hospital.”
“Oh! God no. What happened?”
“Well, the baby decided to come early.”
“Baby . . . I . . I didn’t know.”
“I can take you there if you like.”
“Yes, please. Thank you very much.”
The officer drove him to the hospital and dropped him off at the main entrance.
Conrad made his way to the maternity ward, but Lottie was in labor so Conrad waited
outside her room. Everything turned out fine, although it wasn’t an easy delivery. Lottie had a new baby, a boy, her only boy. His sisters would be thrilled. They wanted a brother.
Conrad was happy for her, but a little uncomfortable because they hadn’t been
close for a while. He didn’t want to screw this up. It was important to be there for her, but sometimes his words got jumbled up and misunderstood.
He sat in the waiting room, trying to think of the right words to say, while going
in and out of sleep. When Conrad woke a young man was sitting next to him. The old man introduced himself.
“I’m Conrad. My daughter just had a baby.”
The man stuck out his hand. “I’m Stan. My girlfriend is here.”
“I feel so stupid. I didn’t even know my daughter was pregnant.” Conrad rubbed
his eyes.
“Sometimes men are clueless. So, don’t beat yourself up about it.”
“I only see her once a year, but I miss her every day,” Conrad continued. “We’ve
had a contentious relationship, so I don’t know what I’m expected to do or say.”
Stan leaned over. “Just say what’s in your heart. Don’t overthink it.”
Just then the doctor came out and said Lottie was ready for visitors.
They both stood and Conrad gave a puzzled look at Stan.
Stan patted him on the shoulder and said, “Happy Birthday, Conrad. Lottie is my
fiancé. Time to meet your first grandson. Now there are two Conrads in the family.”
