Nathaniel blinked as he heard knocking on the door. He cut Starla's pancakes smaller and gave her back her kiddy fork. The knocking continued and he stood up. "Small slow bites and one bite at a time Star. Daddy be right back." He said. Kissing the top of her head and waiting for her to respond. She was a good girl and almost always did what he said...unless it was Christmas Eve and then she wanted to watch for Rudolph. He chuckled at the memory of her first christmas.<span style="font-style: italic">Starla looked at her daddy. "Otay daddy. One bitesy at a time." She said with a giggle. Taking the fork and stabbed a small piece and showed him. "See?" She said with a giggle. Looking to him for approval.</span><br/><br/>Nathaniel smiled. "Yes. Just like that Star. You are such a smart little girl. Daddy is very proud of you." He ached inside like a broken toy people just kept stepping on over and over again. He moved towards the front door. "Coming!" He called out. He opened the door and stood there leaning against the frame with the door mostly open. The screen still shut and locked. He looked at him with a kind look. "Hello? Can I help you?" He asked with a half smile. His heart just didn't have it in him to smile. Not with the heavy weight and guilt upon his heart and shoulders.<span style="font-style: italic">Starla came running with her orange juice in hand. Pushing her head between the space made by door and legs. "Daddy...I wan more juce." She said softly. Looking at the man. "Who dat? Is dat fwiend of daddy?" She askedi n an adorable and cute voice.</span><br/><br/>Nathaniel blinked as he looked down. "Hello munchkin. Daddy will get you more juice in just a moment." He looked at the stranger. "No. I don't know him but he seems like a good man Starla." He replied. Looking out at the snow that picking up. Why was this man here? He hoped he knew soon because soon there would be no way to make it anywhere.