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She nodded with a small smile. "Okay, Daddy. Thank you."
I smiled back. "It's my pleasure, little one."
Gently, I picked her up. She rested her head on my shoulder as I carried her down the hall to her room. I looked around. Her room was comfy, with a throw rug cushioning the bare floor and her bed covered with a light blue comforter. I was happy she allowed herself a little bit of comfort. She worked so hard and she needed to relax a little more. Hopefully, I could help her relax a little.
I set her down on the bed and pulled the comforter up over her. "Do you have a stuffy?"
Her brow furrowed. "A stuffy?"
"A plush toy. Maybe a teddy bear?"
She blushed a little. "In my desk drawer, I have a purple alien. It was my favorite toy when I was a kid and I couldn't bear to get rid of it."
I smiled and went to her desk. I found the little alien. It was soft but definitely well-loved and well worn. I handed it to her. "Cuddle with this for me."
She held the alien to her chest. "Thank you, Daddy."
I sat on the edge of her bed and gently pushed back her hair. I loved the feeling of running my fingers through her hair. "I hope you sleep well, little one," I said. "I'm going to crash on the couch if you don't mind. I want to spend as much time with you as possible."
She looked genuinely surprised. "You're not going to spend the night in my bed?"
"I can if you want me to," I said. "But I don't want to do anything that would make you uncomfortable. I don't expect it."
Anna smiled up at me. "Please sleep with me, Daddy," she said. "I want you to. Besides, I think it'll be a lot comfier than the couch."
I smiled and lied down beside her. "You're right about that, little one," I said. I got under the covers with her and put my arm around her waist. "Is this okay?" I asked.
She nodded and smiled. "Yes, Daddy, that feels good. I feel safe and cozy with your arm around me."
I smiled. "That's what I like to hear," I said. "I want to make you feel safe." I wanted to take away all of the stress and pain she was in. And I wanted to put a cute little smile on her face.
Slowly, we went to sleep together. I slept better with my arm around her waist than I had slept in a long time.
The next morning, I woke up feeling well-rested. Anna was still asleep, which I was happy to see. She needed the rest. I had no idea when she had last had a full night's sleep, but it had clearly been a while. She looked more relaxed while sleeping than she had looked during the day.
Carefully, I untangled myself from her and stood up. I needed to start making some breakfast for both of us. I looked through her cupboards. Sure enough, there really wasn't a lot there. Just some ramen and coffee along with a few old containers of stale herbs and spices. In her fridge, she had half a jug of milk and a carton of eggs, She really wasn't living on a lot. But I would have to work with what I could find. I would have to buy her groceries later.
I started to brew some coffee while I started to cook some scrambled eggs. I had just put the eggs in the hot pan when I heard a crash from the bedroom. I turned off the stove and immediately went to investigate. "Anna!"
I looked to see her slowly picking herself off the floor. She gave me a sheepish smile even though it was clear she was in pain. "I'm sorry," she said. "I was coming out but I put weight on the wrong leg."
I realized my heart was beating fast. I knelt beside her. "Are you okay?" I asked.
"I'm fine," she said. "Just clumsy."
"You have to be more careful," I said. "You can't injure yourself further."
"I'm fine, it was just a mistake." She tried to get up again, but I put my hands on her hips to pin her down.
"No," I said. "I'm your Daddy, remember? When I tell you to be careful, you have to be careful. Understand?”
She bit her lip and a slow flush started on her cheeks. "Yes, Daddy," she said softly.
"Good." I hooked an arm under her knees and put another one around her back. I picked her up, just like last night. "Now let's get you settled in the living room. Breakfast is almost ready."
"I should have made you breakfast, especially after you made such a great meal last night."
"Absolutely not," I said firmly. "I'm your Daddy. It's my job to take care of you. I want to take care of you." I set her down on the couch and cupped her jaw with my hand, forcing her to look at me. "Now you're going to stay here and relax. Understand, little one?"
