a father hold his child in a hug for much longer than normal

  “I love you [Redacted]”

  pulling away and looking them in the eyes

  “You know this right. Your mother and I love you more than anything.”

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  Shyly the little girl looks away

  “Yes dad I know. You only tell me every day.”

  with tears threatening the father’s eyes he says

  “Right.. Right… Do you want me to read a story to you?”

  with a glint in her eyes

  “Can you!”

  ………………..

  a father lays his asleep daughter down in her bed and with tears streaming down his face says

  “Happy Birthday [Redacted].”