The terrace was quiet.
Soft evening wind moved Jay's hair gently as she stood beside her dad, watching the lights of the Watson mansion glow one by one.
Jasfer rested his hands on the railing.
Silent.
Tired.
Jay looked at him for a long moment.
Then softly,
"Dad…"
He turned to her.
"Yes, sweetheart?"
She hesitated.
Just a second.
Then gathered the courage.
"Why don't you… start a new life?"
Jasfer blinked.
Jay held his hand gently.
"I mean it, Dad," she said quietly.
"You've done everything for me. You gave me your whole life."
His chest tightened.
She swallowed.
"You don't have to stay alone because of me."
Jasfer looked away.
The words hit deeper than he expected.
"Jay…"
She stepped closer.
"You deserve someone who waits for you at home," she whispered.
"Someone who argues with you about small things… who gets angry when you skip meals… who laughs with you."
Her voice trembled slightly.
"I don't want you to grow old alone, Dad."
Jasfer closed his eyes for a moment.
A slow breath.
Then he pulled her gently into his arms.
Holding her like he always had.
Like he always would.
"My life didn't stop because of you," he said softly into her hair.
"It became full because of you."
Jay hugged him tighter.
"But…" she whispered, stubborn and soft at the same time,
"I still want you to be happy in a different way too."
He smiled faintly.
"You sound very grown up today."
She laughed quietly.
"I learned from you."
They stayed like that for a moment.
Just father and daughter.
Then Jasfer spoke again, very gently.
"If someday… someone comes into my life…"
He pulled back and looked into her eyes.
"…will you be okay with it?"
Jay's eyes immediately softened.
She nodded.
Without hesitation.
"I'll be happy for you, Dad."
And for the first time in many years…
Jasfer felt something open inside his heart.
Hope.