He considered that for a moment. He suddenly had that sad, faraway look he couldn't fully conceal. That scared me a little that I'd wanted to cry.
"So many people are sad," he added very carefully. "I guess, they just want to be heard and understood."
Silence. I was confused. I didn't feel like he was really answering me, but I didn't want him to be sad.
"What can I do so you won't feel sad anymore, Daddy?"
"Just be the good girl you always are." He smiled and gave my forehead another kiss. His arms around me tightened and I held him back. "Remember that I'll always love you, okay?"
"Okay."
--- // ---
You said you'd always love me. You said you'd always come back home, but you left. You're gone for good now, Daddy. Why? What happened? I thought I was a good girl already, like you'd said.
"Daddy..."
"Sssh, it's okay..."
I finally woke up, this time completely. The only light in my room was from the bedside table. Mom had been sitting next to me, gently stroking my hair. She smiled sadly and her eyes had been red, with tears streaming down her cheeks.
