I smile at the priest as we approach him at the end.

Cautious.

That is the only description for his behavior and stance.

I don't have my contacts in, revealing my eyes, which have only become a richer, more elegant shade of crimson since the last time he saw me.

"Please, skip the formal introductions and greetings."

Kellin nods, speaking for the group of us.

"Of course. I would just like to thank you for allowing us to have this meeting."

Meeting?

"This is hardly a meeting. I am just here to make things right between Morris and his conscience."

What?

I take a quick glance over at Morris. He has gotten a haircut since I last saw him. His poor excuse of a beard is no longer present.

And most importantly, he doesn't reek of alcohol.

I have missed a majority of the conversation due to my day-dreaming.

"I promise, I will never touch another drop of alcohol again. I will be the proper father figure Dario needs in his life. I will forgive myself for the...the...the..."

He stumbles over his words, getting emotional on an obvious sensitive topic.

"...the death of my wife and daughter."

The metaphorical wound is still clearly raw. Tears fill his eyes, threatening to spill over.

The priest says something about forgiving Morris. Kellin, Zach, and Morris thank the priest for the meeting or whatever just happened. Dario shakes the priest's hand. When I stick my hand out, he hesitates to accept. I catch his gaze. The look of fear and hatred that is in his eyes pains me momentarily. I just shake it off, having gotten those looks since the day I started school.

Not just because of my eyes.

Because I have two fathers rather than a mother and a father just like all of the other kids.