A small girl across the street waved at me every day and night for weeks. The eerie expression in her eyes persisted in my mind. Nothing could have prepared me for the devastating reality that awaited me when I eventually went to discover who she was.
I used to watch this little kid from my window every evening. She was always there, standing at the window with her little hand waving at me, a small, slender figure no older than five. I got chills from the intensity in her eyes as they stared right into mine. Who was she? What was it she wanted me to do?
I looked at Sandy, my wife, who was reading a book while cuddled up on the couch. “She’s back, darling. The girl I mentioned to you.
Sandy raised her head, frowning. “The one who’s always waving at you?”
I nodded with a twinge of regret. “Yes. Something is there. I’m not sure. There was something in her eyes. She seems to be attempting to communicate with me.
Sandy put her book down and sat down by the window with me. She put her hand on my shoulder and muttered, “Oh, Arnie,” quietly. “She might just be a lonely child. Have you attempted to wave back?
Still staring at the small person across the street, I shook my head. “No, Sandy, I’m not able to explain it. There seems to be more to it. She seems to be calling out to me.
Sandy tightened his hold on my shoulder. “You’re a bit frightening me, honey. A child is merely waving. Please don’t take anything too personally.
I attempted a smile as I wrenched my eyes from the window. “You’re correct. Most likely, I’m just overanalyzing the situation.
I had the unshakeable impression that I was ignoring something significant when I closed the drapes.
I couldn’t sleep that night because the image of the young child wailing for assistance kept coming up in my thoughts.
In my fantasies, she cried, “Don’t leave me,” “Please, don’t go.”
Sandy’s worried visage was hanging over me as I woke up in a cold sweat.
“Arnie? Are you all right? You were speaking while you slept.
With my heart pounding, I sat up. “I’m not sure,” That girl. I dreamed about her. She was in tears.
Sandy’s eyes grew wide with concern. Perhaps we ought to discuss this with someone. Perhaps a therapist?
I gave a headshake. “No, I believe I have to take action. I can’t ignore this any longer.”
I woke up at the crack of dawn, tired. My mind was racing from the nightmares of the previous night. Even the promise of my favorite meal didn’t make me feel any better, even if the kitchen smelled of freshly baked pancakes.
Sandy welcomed me with a plate of golden pancakes and a warm cup of tea as I limped downstairs.
“Rough night?”
I took a drink of the hot tea and nodded. “Yeah, couldn’t shake off those dreams.”
The window drew my attention once more as I finished my breakfast. The sight of the little girl standing there made my heart skip a beat. As soon as we looked at one other, she waved.
Like a moth at a flame, her small outstretched hand appeared to draw me in.
I clattered my cup to the floor. “That’s all. I will speak with her parents. I’m at my breaking point.”
Sandy’s gaze expanded. “Arnie, are you sure about this?”
I looked at the building across the street and nodded. “Sandy, I must know. She seems to need me, but I’m not sure why. She’s becoming eerie. Last night, she gave me the same wave. What is it she desires? I don’t understand.
Sandy approached me from behind and put her arms around my waist. “Please, just use caution. And if something seems strange, give me a call.”
I turned to give her a forehead kiss. “Yes, I will. I swear.
It seemed like the longest journey of my life to cross the street. My palms were sweating as I pressed the doorbell for the apartment where I’d seen the girl so many times, my heart thumping in my chest as I walked toward the building.
After a long silence, the sound of a woman’s voice came over the intercom. “Yes? Who is it?
Hello, this is Arnold from the other side of the street. I wanted to discuss your daughter with you.
Another pause, this one longer. The door buzzed open after that.
In the doorway appeared a woman. When I saw her, my heart stopped.
“JULIETTE?” Hardly believing my sight, I muttered.
She nodded, tears sparkling in her eyes. “Hi, Arnie. It has been a while.
A tiny figure emerged behind Juliette before I could reply. The young girl. Her eyes were wide with anticipation as she gazed up at me.
And she chirped, “DADDY?!”
I had the impression that I was in a storm on a boat. I steadied myself by holding onto the doorframe.
“What did she say?”
Juliette moved aside to let me in. “Arnie, come inside. We have a lot to discuss.
I flopped down on the shabby couch, my head reeling. Juliette sat across from me, tears welling up in her eyes.
Do you recall that lake house weekend, Arnie? “Six years ago?”
With memories rushing back, I nodded. “Our last weekend together before—” “Before we broke up,” she said. “What I didn’t know then was… I was already pregnant.”
I jerked my head up. “What? However, how? How come you didn’t tell me?
Juliette broke down in tears. “Arnie, I tried. I tried, God. However, you had changed your number and relocated out of town. It seemed as though you had disappeared.
The words “I had a right to know,” came out of my throat as my eyes stung.
“I understand. I was afraid and young. Years had gone by by the time I plucked up the confidence to actually search for you. I believed it to be too late.
The young child, whom Juliette referred to as Heidi, sat quietly in a corner, her gaze fixed on my face.
My daughter. The word reverberated in my head, simultaneously alien, horrifying, and amazing.
“When did you move here?” I looked at Juliette.
“A couple of months back. My employment was transferred. “That first day, when I saw you through the window,” she said, her eyes averted. “You are Heidi’s father, I informed her. Perhaps, I reasoned, fate was giving us another chance. However, I noticed you with someone—”
“She’s my wife, Sandy.”
A long silence. Then, with my head spinning, I suddenly got to my feet. “I have to leave. I must think.
Heidi’s expression fell flat. “Dad? Are you heading out?”
The word pierced my heart like a blade. The fear in her eyes broke my heart as I knelt down in front of her.
“My dear, I’ll come back. I swear. Just give me a little time, please.”
She gave me a serious nod, and I experienced an intense wave of affection that almost knocked me down.
Juliette called after me as I walked out of the apartment. “Arnie? I apologize. For everything.
I was unable to bring myself to answer.
It was a blur on the way home. Sandy was standing nervously by the door when I arrived.
“Arnie? What took place? You appear to have seen a ghost.
When the tears finally came, I fell into her arms. I told her everything in between sobbing. Regarding Heidi, Juliette, and the daughter I was unaware I had.
Sandy wrapped her arms tightly around me as she listened in startled silence. She withdrew after I was done, looking into my eyes.
She said, “What are you going to do?”
Lost, I shook my head. “I’m not sure. Sandy is my daughter. A young girl has been attempting to contact me and waving at me. How can I simply ignore that?”
“Arnie, I’m as astonished as you are. However, we must exercise caution. Juliette’s statements cannot be taken at face value.
“What do you mean?”
“First, we ought to have a DNA test. Sandy squeezed my shoulders and added, “Just to be sure.”
I stood at Juliette’s door once more the following day. “Juliette,” I blurted out as she opened it, “I think we need a DNA test.”
Her face hardened instantaneously. “What? Do you believe I’m lying? You’re already doubting me after learning that you have a child? Arnie, you’re amazing.”
I attempted to explain, “I just want to be certain before I commit to anything,” but she slammed the door in my face.
I went home in despair and told my mother what had happened. After giving it a discreet listen, she inquired about Juliette’s address.
Juliette called the following day, but I couldn’t tell what my mom had said to her.
“This is Juliette. Your mother gave me your number. I’ve given it some thought and I get it. We are able to make the DNA test.
I let out a sigh of relief. “I appreciate it, Juliette. Thank you.
Sandy wasn’t overjoyed when I told her. “Arnie, you have my affection. I do, God help me. And I’ll be there for you during this. However, I’m afraid. With tears welling up in my eyes, I drew her closer as she wept, “I just hope this doesn’t change anything between us.”
The ensuing weeks were a rollercoaster of emotions, with fresh waves of fear, hope, and anxiety arriving every day.
My hands shook as I opened the package containing the DNA test results. One statement stuck out in sharp contrast to the rest of the words that were blurring in front of my eyes: “99.99% probability of paternity.”
My heart raced. Heidi was my daughter.
However, a tiny part of me, the part that is still in shock over this life-changing realization, muttered doubts.
What if something went wrong?
The idea of accepting this new reality only to have it torn away was too much for me to handle.
I so had to sit through another excruciating wait and take another test. The second set of results was also positive. As I shouted out to Sandy, tears came down my cheeks.
“It’s true,” I hugged her and cried. “I truly own her. My daughter.
“Oh, Arnie, I’m here for you,” said the dead quiet. For you two.”
When Sandy and I went to Juliette’s flat, Heidi yelled “Daddy!” and flung herself into my arms.
I was terrified of what I would see in Sandy’s eyes as I hugged her. Her hand was reaching out to smooth Heidi’s hair, yet she was grinning despite her tears.
The words “she’s beautiful,” Sandy muttered.
Juliette’s eyes were filled with both happiness and sorrow as she observed us. “I never meant to complicate your lives,” she replied. “I just wanted Heidi to know her father.”
I nodded as comprehension washed over me. “I’m happy you did. I’m happy to have met her.
Heidi held on to my leg as we departed that day. “You’ll come back, right Daddy?”
I stooped to gaze into those remarkably similar eyes. “I will, of course, my dear. I will not be leaving. I swear.
I gathered Sandy in an embrace as we arrived at our front door. “I cherish you. I appreciate how wonderful you have been during this whole ordeal.
“I also adore you. What about Arnie? I believe you’ll make a fantastic father.
I was standing at our window that night when I noticed Heidi waving from the other side of the street. This time, however, I felt just love rather than dread or confusion. I returned the wave, my heart filled with joy.
Perhaps I hadn’t intended to become a father in this manner. Perhaps I wouldn’t have taken that route. However, as I stood there and waved to my kid, I was positive that this was the road I had always been supposed to take.
Here’s a more tale: I discovered that my husband alternates between a rusty old automobile and his fancy SUV on a daily basis. Why would he do this, though? My heart broke when I learned the truth.
Though it has been romanticized for artistic purposes, this work draws inspiration from actual individuals and events. For reasons of privacy protection and story improvement, names, characters, and details have been changed. Any likeness to real people, alive or dead, or real events is entirely accidental and not the author’s intention.
The publisher and author disclaim all liability for any misinterpretation and make no claims on the veracity of the events or character portrayals. This narrative is given “as is,” with the characters’ opinions being their own and not those of the publisher or author.