Page 5 of One Sultry Summer

I can’t help but laugh aloud. I wrap her in my arms and hug her a little tighter. She pulls away slightly.

“Do you think Nana is up?”

“Probably, but let’s leave her be. She has a lot of work to do before the borders are awake.”

“Can’t I help her in the kitchen?”

“I’m afraid not.”

“I won’t be in the way.”

“Maybe when you’re a little older.”

She let out a dramatic sigh and pouted. Eventhough she looks cute, I can’t give in to her tantrums.

“Do you need to go back to bed and change your attitude?”

“Hmmmph. I don’t have any attitude, Daddy.”

“Then uncross your arms, little lady.”

She slowly uncrossed her arms, and her face softened. “Sorry, Daddy.”

“I didn’t say no. Right now, you’re too young. Do you understand?”

She nodded her head, her dark locks looking tangled from her slumber. “Yes.”

“Do you want to pick out your clothes for today while I make us some breakfast?” She nodded vigorously and dashed back upstairs. The sound of her footsteps slowly faded away.

I turned on the gas burner to medium and placed a pan over the flame. Opening the fridge, I pulled out a package of bacon and rolled it to loosen the strips so they’d be easier to manage. After opening the package, I placed four strips ofbacon inside the pan. I grabbed a coffee mug and poured a generous amount, letting the aroma fill the air.

The sound of Emily running down the stairs makes me to panic a little. “Slow down, Emily. You know I don’t like you running down the stairs”

“Yes, Daddy.” I hear her voice behind me. I turned to see what she picked out for today. She’s wearing jeans, a shirt with a flowered pattern, and a yellow skirt that is part of a Snow White costume.

Her hair is still a mess, but that’s something I do for her. After watching many videos on YouTube, I taught myself how to style her hair. I enjoy doing it. If I’m being honest with myself, it’s also a way to make more memories with her. Being a single dad isn’t easy, but I make an effort to do my best every day.

Emily sat perched at the table, her legs playfully swinging beneath her as she let herimagination drift with each gentle kick.

“Hey kiddo, do you want some eggs?”

“Eww, I can’t eat chicken eggs, those are babies.”

“Emily, they’re not fertilized.” I continue to cook, knowing she doesn’t understand the difference. I’m certainly not going to push the issue. I popped some strawberry waffles into the toaster, pulled plates from the cupboard, and placed them on the counter.

I set the bacon on the table and her eyes light up like it's Christmas morning. “Please take one for now; you can grab a few more once your waffles are ready.” I cracked two eggs in the pan. The popping noise from the toaster startles me. I pull the waffles out and burn my fingers on the edge, then toss the waffles onto the plate. I do my best to hold back from cussing in front of Emily, but a low moan escapes my lips.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

She springs from her chair, her eyes sparkling with concern as she takes my hand and gently guides it downward, eager to inspect the injuries on my fingers. “Let me give it a kiss to make it feel better.” I noticed her kindness at the tender age of four, despite the pain I was feeling.

“Stay still daddy, I’ll be right back.” She leaves the room. My eyebrows furrow as I inspect my finger further. Is she going to get some burn cream? It’s not that bad. I grab the pan and pour my eggs onto the plate, along with some toast that I had buttered earlier. A few minutes later, she returned.

“This is my nurse, Lauren the Panda. She’ll be taking your temperature.” My eyes glanced down at the bear bearing my wife’s name.

“Honey, can we do this after breakfast? It’s gonna get cold.”

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