Page 42 of Daddy's Little Dreamer

“Ugh.”

“Don’t you huff at your Daddy. You don’t have to eat it if you don’t like it. I’m only asking that you take one bite and try it. Please.”

“Is that ranch dressing, Daddy?”

“It is. What do you think?”

I took another bite. Should I tell him it was nummy? No, he’d make me eat more veggies, but this was yum-yum-yummy.

“Given you’ve now taken two bites but refuse to say anything, I choose to take that as a win.”

I’d never tell, hee-hee.

“Look, Daddy, Look.” I ran over to the flowerpot. “Shoot, I scared the pretty butterfly.”

“Indeed, you did. I know you’re excited for all your new insect friends, but they don’t know you’re not going to hurt them. It’s best to keep a safe distance and not rattle them.”

“I know. I just got excited and forgot.” I hoped it came back, then I could apologize.

“Let’s get cleaned up and get you home.”

It wasn’t forever but every time I left it sure did feel like it.

“Come on, Bumble.” I decided to hold him and Humble instead of putting them in my backpack. “Time to go home.”

“My Little Bee, I don’t like it when you’re sad.”

“I know, Daddy, I just hate leaving you.”

“I don’t like it either and you know I’m ready for us to live together when you are, but I refuse to rush you. But yes, this is very hard for me as well. When you’re ready, I’ll be waiting.”

“Thank you, Daddy.” I had already made up my mind today to talk to mom about it.

“Huh, your mom’s car isn’t here.” Daddy parked in an empty space beside our building. “Let me get you inside.”

After Daddy left I looked around for a note from Mom but found none. I double checked my phone for a text but nothing. It wasn’t like her to not let me know where she was.

Me:Hey Mom, are you picking up dinner?

Mom:Hi honey, are you home?

Me:I am.

Mom:Sorry, you’re on your own for dinner tonight. I’ll be home later. Love you.

Had I just entered an alternate universe?

I did some laundry and hunted around in the cupboards for something to make but nothing sounded good. It was so much easier when Daddy picked and made it. Less choices worked bestfor me. In the end, I ordered Chinese delivery with plenty for Mom and me to take for lunch tomorrow.

Tummy full, laundry done, into the shower I went but when I came out Mom still wasn’t home, and she hadn’t texted again. I was getting kind of nervous. I mean, she was a grown up and all but this was so out of character.

Bumble and I got ready for bed but had time to pop out onto the fire escape for a quick shoutout to the stars. I had so much to be thankful for and it felt like I owed it all to them. It was a gorgeous, clear sky tonight. I took a couple of pictures and texted them to Daddy.

“I thought I’d find you out here.”

“Mom.” I jumped and almost dropped my phone. “You scared me half to death.”

“Sorry, my love. What are you wishing for tonight? I thought you got your wish months ago.”

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