“Dad. Why are you watching Blue’s Clues? It’s a baby show.” Murmurs Tracy, walking into the room with a bowl of ice cream, balancing the spoon in her mouth.

“Oh. I didn’t even realize it was on, buttercup. Must’ve zoned out.” His voice cracked at the nickname, he was silently hoping Tracy hadn’t noticed. He heard the spoon hit the bowl and the bowl hit the table. Shit.

“Daddy…are you okay?”

Michael laughs softly, humorlessly. Doing anything to not look at her right now.

“Yeah pumpkin. I’m okay.”

He feels her hand grab his. He immediately looks up, Tracy looked genuinely worried. Michael felt his breath hitch in his throat.

“Daddy..?”

Michael didn’t even realize the tears that were spilling down his cheeks, he was gritting his teeth so hard that his jaw was creaking.

“When’d you get so big, huh?” He tries to smile. “You were my little girl and now you’re going to college…”

Tracy’s expression softens, she sighs in relief.

“Oh Daddy, That’s what this is?”

“I’ve been a terrible father, Trace.”

“Well…yeah. But I still love you. I know you’re trying.”

Michael looks up, chuckling softly. “You’ve…you’ve got your mother’s sense of frankness.”

“And my Dad’s stubbornness. And anger issues. And probably alcoholism.” She smiles, still watching Michael, who was now holding her hand in both of his.

“God…your hand used to fit in just one of mine.”

“Still kind of does. But…Daddy?”

Tracy’s head tilts slightly as she waits for Michael to look up.

“I know you’re doing your best and even when I’m ‘all grown up’ I still need you.”

Michael laughs, looking at her through a blur of tears.

“Really?”

“Yeah. Like seriously. Who else is going to kick the shit out of creeps and bring Uncle T around?”

She leans in and hugs Michael.

“Just try not to kill yourself while I’m at school ok? If Mom brings home another Fabien I think I’m gonna actually hurl.”

Michael holds that hug for a while.

“Alright sweetie.” He says softly.