My dad is pretty old.
He was fifty when I was born and now I'm 18.
He's an interesting man. He practically raised me, as my mother is really just a gold digger who couldn't be bothered with a little girl.
But Daddy always gave me his time and anything else I asked for. He took me on trips around the world, to ruins and castles-anywhere that had a legend associated with it. Dad loves legends.
So, it's really no surprise that he calls with news about his next trip. He begs me to go. I really shouldn't. It's my last summer before college. But he's getting so old, I'd be too worried to let him go alone. And he'd always done anything for me. Anything at all. He deserved the same from me at least once in his life.
"You're getting too old for this, Dad," I tell him on the plane, looking over his white hair.
He chuckles. "I know."
The next day we're chopping through overgrowth in the middle of a jungle. He's still strong and healthy and I admire his broad shoulders and flexing muscles. I'm proud of my dad. He's always been so ambitious. Even now that his hair is white instead of blonde like it was in old pictures, and his blue eyes have that tired look about them, he still forges through life with purpose. It's so admirable. I love him so much.
"What exactly are we looking for?" I ask.
"Well, it's just a legend."
"Isn't it always?"
He laughs. "Yes, Brittany. It is."
I sweep a vine away from my face. "So?"
"They say that this is where the legends of the Fountain of Youth were formed."
I could see why that would appeal to him.
We explore all day and then set up camp. Dad knows all the safety tricks and he erects our tent like a pro.
There's no fire, and the night gets unexpectedly cold. Me and Dad snuggle up together. "This will probably be our last trip," he murmurs sadly.
"Don't say that, Dad," I beg. It's too sad to think of.
"Alright then," he concedes with a smile and he nuzzles the top of my head. "Where would you like to go next?"
"The Alps."
"Again?"
"Yes, Daddy."
His laugh is warm against the top of my blonde head. "Then that's where we'll go."
I snuggle into him and drift off.
The next day is more of the same, and I try to enjoy it, but I can't help noticing Dad's slowing steps.
He really is getting old. I hate thinking that.
Around noon, his steps get a little quicker and I hear running water.
Excitedly, we both hack away plants until we find the source.
I frown at the little dribble of water bubbling up from the ground.
Dad squats sadly beside it. "Wow."
"Let-down," I add.
He nods. "Well..." He captures a bit of the water in his hand and lifts it to his lips.
I wait excitedly. But nothing happens.
We laugh. I guess both of us were hoping for a miracle.
Our steps are slower as we backtrack, making our return to the real world. It never could have been real. I don't know why I let myself dream the impossible.
That night we're already more than halfway out of the jungle but still have to camp.
The mood is sadder as we snuggle up together. I will miss my dad when he's gone. Tears drip from my eyes and Dad wipes them away. "It's alright, honey."
Just like every night on our trips, I fall asleep cuddled against my daddy.