Maya sang her heart out. Jake sat in a shadowy corner where he could watch without being in the way. He told her to pick anything, and they’d do it. Anything to reconnect with his daughter post-divorce. Sure, karaoke night wouldn’t heal the hurt for his teenaged daughter, but maybe for tonight it would offer the escape they both needed. 

Her face was alight with a smile as she belted out the unfamiliar lyrics, but he had little doubt it was from a recent Taylor Swift album. He tapped the beat of the peppy music against the frosty glass of Coke in front of him. It wasn’t such a bad way to spend a wintery Friday night. The music ended, and Maya gave a quick bow to the cheering room and joined him at the table. 

He pushed an icy Dr. Pepper towards her, the condensation leaving a wet trail across their table. She took a swig before grinning, her braces catching a glint of light. 

“You’ll come sing with me, right?”

Jake froze. 

“Please, Dad. You said we could do whatever I wanted.”

“Yeah, okay.” He wouldn’t tamp the small ember of happiness radiating from her. “But I’ll need the lyrics.”

“No prob.” She snatched his phone, hands moving at a terrifying speed as she tapped on the screen before handing it back. “Come on, we’re next!”

Jake swallowed audibly and followed her onto the stage. The music started, and he sang along, voice growing loud and completely off-key.

Word: ember | Action: rekindle