Lasting Impressions

A 50-word Story

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

“Settle down,” Papa said. Jumping out of my skin felt possible.

“I get to see Mama!” I crowed.

But Papa’s frown lines deepened, his fingers white on the steering wheel.

“Be a good girl for her,” he said.

I didn’t realize that would be the last time I saw him.