" DAD!!" Spencer screamed, as we stepped through the door of the Carlin household. We put down our bags making our way across the living room. I couldn’t help but be a little nostalgic. There were so many memories made in this house, and growing up it was the only real place I could call home.

"Spence!?" A voice cried out from the kitchen. Seconds later a man I knew all too well popped his head around the corner. Upon seeing us, his face lit up, and he quickly made his way over.

"OH MY GOD, FINALLY!!!!" He exclaimed, picking his daughter in a bear hug, and twirling her around. Although he was still a handsome fellow, he looked worn, the greys in his hair more abundant and the lines on his face more defined. He put his daughter down looking her over, a look of pride and amazement on his face.

"WOW!" He said softly to her. " Two years Spence."

" I missed you too dad." she said, tip toeing to give him a kiss on the cheek, and he pulled her in for another hug. I stood by the staircase, not wanting to interrupt the moment.

"Hey there stranger." He said looking over to me." Are you going to stand there, or are you gonna give an old man a hug?". Letting go of his daugther, he turned to me openning his arms wide. I walked over and he envelopped me in his arms, resting his cheek on my head. " Welcome home kiddo." He whispered.

" Thanks, Pop." I stayed in his embrace for a while, letting him rock me. Mr. Carlin, always had a way of making me feel safe and loved. I remember one day sitting on his couch. It was a couple days after my fathers death, and even though I wasn’t close to my dad, his loss still shattered my heart. I remember Mr. C taking a seat next to me. He had a plate full of brownies and a glass of milk, placing them on the coffee table in front of me, he looked at me and said. Ashley I love you, and no matter what you’ll always have a place here and you’ll always have a father. After hearing his words, I began to cry, and he just held me in his arms all afternoon. Ever since then I’ve called him pop, and his family bacame mine.