On the morning of Nicole’s birthday, she was up at the crack of dawn, slipping into her most cherished princess dress. 

I had learned my lesson and texted Simon three days ahead, but silence was all I got back. 

Nicole had just finished a round of piano practice, her fingers dancing over the keys, and turned to me with eyes full of anticipation. 

She was all set to play ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’ for Simon, the tune he had taught her last year, which she had been perfecting for days. 

The moment our eyes locked, she understood. 

Little Nicole’s head drooped as she gently closed the piano. 

“Dad’s swamped. He can’t make it.”