"Elizabeth, I thought I told you to handle table five," her dad said sternly when she entered the kitchen.

"I did."

"Then why do they not have drinks?"

"They seemed a little preoccupied, " Elizabeth laughed, pointing to the couple.

Her father smiled in return. "It's hard to believe that after all these years the Crashdown is still the place where young people congregate the most."

"Probably because it is the only place to hangout since the movie theater is closed for renovations," she teased.

"Ha, ha. Tease all you want, but I am serious. Business has been pretty good lately," her father chuckled.

"Yea, yea. All hail the best restaurant owner in Roswell, New Mexico. Quit bragging! Plus, it makes me feel old that I know exactly what you're talking about. All of my memories, both good and bad, are stowed away in this restaurant. My entire life basically." Elizabeth stated seriously.

"Yea, you're old," her dad joked.

"Dad!"

Suddenly her dad became serious. "You will be starting your senior year soon, Elizabeth."

"I know," she whispered softly.

"After high school you'll go off to some Ivy League College, Harvard or Yale probably, and you'll make your mark in the world as a renowned molecular biologist. And, in the meantime, your mother and I will be here, dutifully running the Crashdown, praying for your safety, and eagerly waiting for your next visit." he said solemnly, his eyes misting around the edges.

"That is not for an eternity," Elizabeth assured him, tears clogging in her throat.

"It's closer than you think."

Feeling too far away from her father, Elizabeth covered the distance between them and wrapped her small, thin arms around his waist in a gigantic hug; it was only then that her tears finally welled and overflowed, instantly soaking his shirtfront.

"Even when I do go away and leave you and Mom, I will never forget you. I will always be in your heart just as you and Mom will always be in mine," she stated reassuringly, "plus, I am going to write everyday, I promise. I love you, Dad."

"Oh, you will never know how much I love you, Eliza. And although I love the idea of hearing from you everyday, I can't ask that of you. One of these days, you will have someone else in your life that will love you as much as I do and who will be worthy of your love in return. And, I don't want you to waste all of your time writing to me," her father replied lovingly.

"Writing to you and Mom would never be considered a waste of time. It would probably be the best way to spend my time," Elizabeth insisted.

"You may say that now, but…" he began

"No, I will always feel that way. My family is the most important thing in the world to me," Elizabeth interrupted.

"That may be so. I am just saying that your happiness means the world to me, and I don't want to get in the way of someone who will make you happier than I can."

"I don't have anyone who loves me like that except you and Mom," Elizabeth stated quietly.