September 18, 2013
San Francisco
The afternoon sun stretched warmly across the grass of Dolores Park.
Steve walked slowly along the familiar path toward the bench.
The park was busy that day. Children ran across the hillside chasing each other while parents watched from nearby blankets.
Steve smiled faintly as he sat down.
For a moment he simply watched the scene in front of him.
A small girl wobbled unsteadily across the grass while her father followed closely behind her.
Steve laughed quietly to himself.
"Well," he said softly.
"I guess I should introduce you to someone."
He rested his hands on the bench.
"Her name is Caroline."
A warm breeze moved through the trees above him.
"She just turned one last week."
Steve shook his head slightly, still amazed.
"I can't believe it's already been a year."
He looked out across the park.
"You should see her."
"She's got this laugh that fills the whole room."
Steve smiled.
"And when she smiles at me..." he paused, searching for the words.
"It feels like the whole world stops for a second."
He leaned forward slightly.
"I was really scared about becoming a father."
"I kept thinking I wouldn't know what to do."
"That I'd mess something up."
Steve rubbed his hands together.
"But Kevin says I'm doing okay."
He chuckled softly.
"I think he's right."
His expression softened.
"I wish you could have met her."
For a moment he simply watched the children playing in the park.
Then he nodded faintly.
"I think you would have liked her."
Steve sat quietly for a few seconds before standing up.
"That's all for today," he said gently.
He took one last look at the bench.
Then he walked back down the path.
At the edge of the park, Kevin stood holding a small stroller.
When he saw Steve approaching, he smiled.
Inside the stroller, Caroline kicked her feet happily.
Steve leaned down and picked her up.
She grabbed his finger with her tiny hand.
Steve laughed.
"Hey there," he said softly.
For the first time in many years, the future felt bright.