Garrett said, "Your mom's got a point, sweetheart. We really should take that trip."
Josefina responded with a gentle insistence, "Mom, Dad, I'll take you there next time. I've got some stuff to handle this time around, and I can't stick with you guys the whole way."
Hattie and Garrett reluctantly let the matter rest. Garrett pulled out his credit card and offered it to her, "It's a wild world out there, kiddo. Carry some extra cash. Take this card with you."
Hattie chimed in, "I've got a stash of cash in the safe, I'll give you some before you leave. How's the balance on your phone's wallet? I'll transfer a million to you just in case."
Josefina laughed off their worries, "You've already given me more than enough, truly. I can't possibly spend it all. I'm only away for five days, and I won't be spending much. Don't worry about me, I'll take good care of myself."
Standing up to leave, Josefina announced, "I'd better get packing. I'm out of here in an hour."
Garrett suggested, "Josie, why don't you let the family jet take you? We've got it for a reason, and you can go wherever you need to."
"I've already got my ticket, but thanks, Dad."
With Josefina heading upstairs, Garrett stayed put, lost in thought. Hattie nudged him playfully, "Garrett, you gone soft in the head or what?"
Garrett's face broke into a wide grin, "She called me 'Dad.' It sounded so sweet and genuine. Music to my ears."
A smile tinged with exasperation crossed Hattie's face, "Josie's called you 'Dad' before, hon. You're acting like it's the first time you've ever heard it."
"It's different, entirely different. Before, she'd say 'Dad' like she was addressing some random uncle. But this time, it came from the heart. It was beautiful."
With a shake of her head, Hattie said, "That's why you need to double down on being good to Josie. The more love you show her, the more she'll feel it."


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