Part 1: A Father’s Agonizing Choice

For many nights, Robert lay awake, watching the moonlight outside the window and wrestling with the uniform hanging in his closet. Sarah knew what her husband was enduring. Finally, Robert reached a decision.

“Sarah,” Robert whispered, holding his wife’s hand tightly. “I know I am a terrible father when I’m away. But I have to go. Our country is only beginning to rebuild. If I and others don’t complete this duty, the independence and freedom Lily deserves will be just empty words. Only when the Nation is safe can our family truly be secure, and our daughter can have a happy, independent childhood like all other children.”

Sarah looked at him, her eyes filled with understanding and sorrow, nodding in acceptance of this immense sacrifice.

Part 2: The Tearful Reunion-Farewell Moment

The day Robert left to re-enlist, the atmosphere was heavy. He said goodbye to Sarah one last time, his sadness overcoming his soldier’s resolve. He walked towards the door, telling himself he must be strong for his country.

Suddenly, a small sound broke the silence. Two-and-a-half-year-old Lily, who had always shunned him and screamed at his sight, unexpectedly let go of her mother’s hand and stumbled toward Robert.

“Daddy!”

That word, the first and only time Robert had ever heard it from his daughter’s mouth, tore through the soldier’s heart. Robert immediately knelt down. He hugged his daughter tightly, the scent of the uniform, the sea, and baby powder mingling together. The two cried uncontrollably; it was the most sacred moment of reunion and the cruelest moment of separation in their lives.

“Daddy… Daddy… don’t go…” Lily sobbed, clinging fiercely to his lapel.

Robert held her, tears streaming down his weathered soldier’s face. He looked deep into her eyes, engraving every tiny detail: “I will definitely come back, my Lily. You must remember this face of your father, okay? I will return to live a happy life with you when the country is safe.”

He handed her back to Sarah, gave a hurried kiss, and stepped into the Jeep driven by his friend Louis (pseudonym), continuing his path of national service.

Part 3: The Horrifying Incident and a New Obsession

In the months that followed, Robert kept his promise. Every month, a letter from the front line was sent to the small house in San Francisco. He inquired about his wife, and especially Lily’s progress. Sarah’s lines about Lily starting to boast to her friends that “My Daddy is a Sailor” became his most cherished spiritual tonic.

But fate was cruel. During a fierce liberation and reconstruction campaign, a terrible incident occurred.

While sweeping a mined area, an explosion went off near Robert. He collapsed, blood gushing from his left leg hit by shrapnel. Immediately after, a second blast nearby sent a rush of explosives and fragments that severely burned and disfigured half of his face.

In that moment of intense pain, as blood stained the earth, Robert did not fear death. His greatest fear was not losing his life, but: “Lily won’t recognize her father anymore!”

It was as if the promise, “remember this face of your father,” had become a curse. Robert agonizingly realized that the fear of being rejected and shunned by his daughter was no longer just a psychological obsession; it had become a cruel and terrifying reality. He had saved his country, but would he still have a chance to save his daughter’s heart?