Tale of the night

Father

— Father? — she was perplexed. It had been a week since he "had left"... — Were you here this whole time?
His face transmitted regret. — Yes. I assume the tree ate you too? — he said with very little humor. She looked down in sadness and he took that as a yes.
— Do you know what it means? — asked Claire.
— Um... Before anything... I just wanted to apologize to you and your mother. I was... Well, terrible. I'm so sorry, my daughter. I guess I needed you to respect me, because when you were born I was young, and didn't think I could do it. But now I see that I have your respect already, so I don't need to be harsh. Just enjoy my daughter.
Claire was crying. Her father had never talked to her like that. She was enchanted. — Oh, father! I love you, okay? You know that, right?
He loved her too. And he was just learning how to show it.
— So... Do you know why we're here?
— Oh! I had totally forgotten! — he said, and this time, with lots of humor.