A knock sounded on Ella's door. She smiled instantly, no one ever dropped by without notice except Alexander. Humming to herself, she opened the door... and froze.
"Dad?" she blurted out, staring in disbelief. "What are you doing here?" She asked.
Eric stood there, suitcase by his side, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Well, that's a fine welcome. I thought my daughter would be happy to see me."
Ella blinked, then crossed her arms with a mock pout. "Of course, I am happy. I would have been happier if you'd mentioned you'd be flying halfway across the world, while I assumed you were somewhere on land having fun."
Laughing, Eric pulled her into a hug. "I didn't tell you I was returning, because I knew you'd spend the night worrying," he said, kissing the top of her head. "This way, I get to surprise you, without seeing dark circles on your face.."
"Welcome back, Dad," Ella murmured, her voice soft against his shoulder.
