kefi (n.) || the spirit of joy, enthusiasm, and high spirits

shouted, her voice echoing through the trees.

"My little girl," Her father grinned at her as he swung the truck door closed and opened his arms. She wasted no moment running to him and encasing herself in his embrace. He chuckled, the vibration deep inside his chest, and she squeezed him so tight she thought maybe she'd hear his rib crack. "How's my snow bunny been?"

She finally relaxed her grip around his waist, "Its been the usual. Esther wants us to go into town together this weekend or she might just come out here and cook us both."

He grinned, his eyes lighting up at the mention of Esther, "And how's she been?"

"Her son got the promotion and moved out a week ago, I'm sure she has more news. I saw Avery and she's excited about her school's play this year."

Her father gently led them inside of the house, and he glanced down at her, "Having trouble with school again?"

She shrugged, settling on a stool in the kitchen while her father popped a bowl of soup in the microwave, "No, not really, it was just one formula that stumped me. I didn't think it was too bad, unless you wanted to help me out?" She raised an eyebrow.

He shot her a look of horror, "No, honey. You know I'm rusty with math."

"You're a rusty old man," She teased, sticking her tongue out.

His expression was deadpanned, "I'm insulted."

"Maybe a bit salty, too." She shrugged, feigning seriousness.

The microwave beeped and he set his steaming bowl of soup on the counter across from her before pouring himself a glass of milk and taking a seat. "Low and behold, I never knew I raised such a spiteful daughter."

She couldn't keep from grinning, "I learned from the best."

He chuckled, "Alright, touché, snow bunny."

She smiled, a few moments of silence stretching between them, and then she spoke again, "So, how is work? Did you get the raise?"

"Actually, I did. Kent wants me to supervise the garage, too."

Suddenly, she felt hyper from the excitement and caffeine in her system, "Look at my Dad, he's the mechanic hero! Every car needs him to repair them!" She couldn't stop grinning.

He rolled his eyes, "Okay, miss hyper, how much coffee did you have this morning?"

"Four cups, maybe eight." She shrugged, propping her elbows on the kitchen counter.

"Good lord." He groaned, "You know what I said about drinking too much coffee. Now you'll be crashing before movie night."

"I will not," She pouted, "I'm perfectly fine."

"Sure you are."

"Hey, Dad, what kind of car does Yoda drive?"

He blinked at her in surprise, then slowly exhaled, "I don't know, honey."

"A toyoda!" She giggled, "Get it, yoda, toyota?"

Her father cracked an amused smile, "Very punny."

"Its a cheesy, but admit it, I'm gouda."

A mischievous grin lit his eyes, "You are pretty grate."

She laughed and so did he. The farm house rung with their musical joy and when they finally got a moment to take a breath, they avoided looking at each other so they wouldn't burst out again. After a few moments of silence, he returned to his eating his soup and she took the opportunity to study her father. She really did miss him.

She couldn't explain how deep their relationship was. Since her accident, it was as if roots were planted and they far exceeded any normal father-daughter's relationship. They were almost like best friends and they got through their low times with terrible jokes and unfathomable love.

She sighed, recalling her nightmare, but decided against mentioning it at the moment. She wanted to enjoy the excitement of having her father home and she knew as soon as she mentioned wolves his mood would fall instantly.

Her father finished eating and they headed out back to finishing collecting the firewood she'd split. She started a brief snowball fight with him, of which he was very competitive, and once they had snow melting inside of their jackets, they headed inside so that he could check over her homework from the week.

She had to keep her laughter stifled as he stared at her work in pure confusion. Although, she didn't blame him. Calculus was a very confusing math and he hadn't done it in over twenty years. When he still couldn't understand, he cleared his throat and moved on, briefly mentioning her good work and mumbling about alien language.

"Hey, why don't we go into town for dinner at the cafe and get our supplies early?" She suggested some time later in the afternoon. They had finally finished her homework and she wasn't feeling up to cooking a meal for them.

"Sure, Esther would be pleased."

They pulled on their winter clothes and ambled out to the old truck. She cringed as she closed the passenger door, a horrible screech following, and her father gave a sheepish grin before bringing the coughing engine to life.

"We need a new truck." She laughed softly.

"This truck has taken care of us for twenty one years, don't insult it." He teased.

"Okay, Dad, whatever you say." She grinned and turned her attention outside the window. She watched the trees roll by, her eyes unconsciously scanning the landscape for signs of wolves, and she had to force herself to look away with a sigh.

She gently opened her door when the truck grumbled to stop in town and hopped out. It was barely five seconds and Esther came out of the cafe with a beaming smile that would put the sun to shame. Esther threw her arms around both of them, squeezing tightly, then pulled back and quickly ushered them inside.

They ordered their usual meal, Belgian pancakes with sausage, bacon and a side of eggs. Despite Toppped Off being an all day cafe that also served meats, they liked to change the course and enjoy breakfast for dinner sometimes. Granted, they never got into town much at all during mornings. Esther joined them since the cafe was slow and she smiled as she watched Esther and her Dad. She knew they liked each other.

The night was full of warmth. She made her Dad promise to take her to work with him someday in the upcoming weeks and they got into an argument over which older car was the best model; mustangs won. Esther made the scene feel complete and she didn't stop grinning at Esther. The food was long ago finished but they'd kept talking for over an hour, and finally, she glanced outside to see snow falling with the coming dusk.

Esther helped them load their supplies into the bed of the truck, much to her father's protest, and they gave each other hugs. Esther profusely thanked them for coming and she didn't miss a beat in mentioning how great of an evening it was. Her father gave Esther a shy hug and she cooed out loud, making them both blush.

Finally, Esther returned to her cafe and she spun to face her father.

"You like her!" She stated, hands on her hips, a grin on her face.

He eyed her, "What are you talking about?"

"Just ask her on a date already," She rolled her eyes, "She likes you, too."

He looked like he was about to protest before he finally sighed, "We'll see, okay? Just keep it quiet for now. I don't need Parson on my tail before I even get to say anything."

She grinned, "Your secret is safe with me."

She walked around the passenger side of the truck and headlights glinting off the old paint made her turn her head to glance at the oncoming vehicles. She watched as two jeeps made their way through town, at a pace that indicated urgency, and as the first jeep sped by, she caught a glimpse of golden hair in the front seat.

The second jeep was in hot pursuit, leaving her in a whirl of snowy mayhem, and when the taillights retreated out of town, she turned and hopped into the truck.

"That was weird," She said.

Her father glanced in the rear view mirror before shifting the truck into drive, "Yeah, hopefully everything is okay." She nodded and then they headed home for a night of movies and popcorn drizzled in caramel. The perfect night and she loved every second of it.

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