You throw open the doors to Resident Services. It comes tumbling out of you before you can stop it.
"Yes?" comes a distant voice- you can barely hear it over the ocean crashing in your ears. Your face is burning.
Oh no. Oh no no no, you didn't mean to say that. You didn't think over your words, didn't analyze them, didn't wait to shout them out- all you wanted was to say hi, not- not-
You look up in your panic. Isabelle looks between the two of you, worried. But Nook's eyes are crinkled in that way they do when he's smiling.
"Yes?" he prompts again, patient and smiling and you think maybe you could cry from relief.
"J-just wanted t-to tell you I'm back," you stammer, willing your voice not to crack. "Back from the paradise and around, in case you need me for island rep stuff."
Nook nods, "of course, of course. I'll be in touch."
You beam. He hasn't stopped smiling, as always giving you his full attention.
He doesn't hate you. You're feeling brave.
You open your mouth to say something else- and the words die in your throat. Saying it to his face is too much, you think, and you awkwardly bow before turning to leave.
You open the door, retrieving your net, and call over your shoulder with whatever bravery you have left, "love you, dad."
He doesn't hesitate, "love you too. Be safe."