Ha. “I’m not brave at all.” And the only time I was — with Zoe — it was a complete disaster.

“Nonsense. Remember how fearless you were when we went camping? You and Will always led the way and explored for hours. I’m fairly sure you gave your mum a few gray hairs every time you came home with new tales of misadventure.” He chuckles. “That’s what life is for — to explore. To make your own stories.”

His words are a shock to my system. Somewhere in the last five years, I lost track of the Sam who could do things like that. I barely remember her.

“I’m so glad to hear your voice,” he says again. “I’ve missed you terribly.”

A lump forms in my throat. “I’ve missed you, too, Dad.” Memories flood back of everything we used to have — favorites, jokes, adventures. I’m not the same girl he left behind, but now that I’m listening to him again, and feeling heard, I want his memories of me. I want exploring and adventure. I want to regain what we’ve lost.

I just hope it isn’t too late.

“Call or email me and let me know how the talk with your mum goes, all right? I’ll be here if you need me. In the meantime, I need to go rescue Maisie so she can have her day off. Your grandfather has tried to steal the car keys three times this week, so I’d best take him to the pub later to meet his mates for a pint.”

I smile a little. Dad’s stories about Grandpa were always wild, and it seems like the man hasn’t changed much in old age. “Okay,” I say. “Tell Grandpa I said hello.”

“I will,” he says. “I love you, Sammy.”

My battered heart swells a little. Hearing those words in his voice, knowing he wants me to visit, and all the memories of me he carries — for the first time in a long time, I believe those words when he says them.

“Love you, too,” I answer.

After we say goodbye, I’m finally able to fall asleep.

I wake up to Mom knocking on my door late the next morning. The sun slants through the window, making one of its rare breaks through the clouds for the winter. I jerk the covers over my head to block it out.

“Samantha, are you awake?” Mom calls.

I groan into my pillow.

“Samantha?” Mom knocks again, more frantic this time. “Are you all right? I’m coming into this room if you don’t open the door.”