Father/ Daughter

A series of stories based around the relationship between father and daughter.

Gordon Harrison - Robert Downey Jr.

Sometimes I can tell when Jane’s not doing anything. Ever since she was a kid, if I passed her room and I didn’t hear anything I’d just know – she’d just be sitting staring into space. She did it sometimes in the living room without noticing. She’d do it at the dining table as a child and Meredith would tell her off. She always disapproved of day dreaming. I never understood why. What do you do if not day dream when you are bored? Maybe that’s why we fell out. Maybe that is why she left – because she didn’t approve of my parenting. I wouldn’t be surprised. I was a horrible father. At least I think so. Jane would never agree. But what do you have to compare to when you only had one parent? She turned out alright – at least I hope so. I think she spends too much time alone, too much time by herself in her room. Sometimes I get worried about her even when she tells me everything is alright… even when she smiles.

Jane Harrison – Keira Knightley

I know I am nosey. I know that because every time I hear my dad move about outside my room I want to go and see what is happening… when I know deep inside its nothing. It’s worse when I know he has people over. Sometimes I just casually stroll into the kitchen for no reason so that I pass them sitting together on the couch. Why should I care who Dad brings home? Why should I care what they do? I only care, because I am nosey. No other reason. I just can’t help it but want to know what everyone else around me is doing. Sometimes I just sit by my window and watch the people walk by. I like to judge them on what they are wearing, who they are with, if they are alone or not. That’s not a bad thing to do. Maybe it is when I watch my neighbours. Watching the house two doors down argue or the one diagonally across have guests over every other day. I think Dad thinks I am lonely. Sometimes I wish he wouldn’t worry about me too much.