"More than a stunning debut. It is the announcement of a bold new literary voice"
—Stephen Chbosky, author of The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Hi, daddy. How are you? I hope you’re in a wonderful place right now. It’s weird that I called you daddy, I really don’t remember any memories when I’m with you. Did I call you daddy or papa? I don’t really know. I just assumed that I call you daddy because I call mommy, well, mommy.

I don’t really remember anything. I don’t really know what you look like at all. When I look at the pictures that my grandma saved, I was surprised. I don’t really remember any memories with you, because you left us when I was very young. You died when I was seven years old. When we went to your funeral, that’s the first time that I saw your face. I can’t remember what you look like today.

You know, I was jealous of my cousins. They grew up with you, while me, I grew up without a father. I felt jealousy when my cousins cried at the church, while I didn’t. I was confused when my younger brother cried, while I didn’t. I heard from my aunt that you used to hang out with my younger brother. You used to bring him at the basketball court and watch people play basketball. I guess that’s why I don’t really remember anything from you. Whenever I close my eyes and tried remembering you, I can only see darkness. Nothing came. Just pure darkness.

I was thankful, though. I was thankful that you left us. You made me stronger. I became what I am right now, although I still think that what if you’re with us, will my life would be different? Will I be different? But your death has its prons and cons. It really taught me how to be strong.

So thank you, dad. Thank you for making me strong.