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"No, little one. I had some work to do while you were sleeping." His expression was serious for a moment before softening again. "But I checked on you every few minutes."
"To make sure I was safe?" I asked, the memory of danger flickering at the edges of my consciousness before floating away again.
"That's right," Daddy confirmed, his large hand gentle as it smoothed my rumpled hair. "I'll always keep you safe."
I believed him completely, the absolute certainty warming me from the inside. I finished my apple slices, then looked up at him hopefully.
"Can we finish the movie now?"
Daddy grinned. "Absolutely."
The next day was quiet. Daddy spent a lot of time talking to different people but made sure I was busy and safe. After lunch and a nap I asked if we could watch the dinosaur movie again.
"Daisy called while you were sleeping. She'd like to come visit and bring her special friend with her."
My eyes widened. "A special friend? Who is it?"
Daddy chuckled. "Her name’s Annabel and she’s even got a teddy to bring to meet Bear and Patches."
I nodded eagerly. "I like Daisy. She's nice."
"She likes you too, little one." Daddy hesitated, then asked, "How are you feeling after your nap?"
I thought about it, wiggling my toes under my dinosaur blanket. "Happy," I decided. "And safe."
Something complicated passed over Daddy's face—relief mixed with something else I couldn't name. He reached out and brushed his thumb across my cheek in a gesture so tender it made my chest ache.
"They should be here soon," Daddy said, checking his phone. "Why don't we clean up a bit and get ready for our visitors?"
I bounced excitedly, gathering my coloring supplies and arranging them neatly on the coffee table. "Do you think Daisy's friend will want to color with me?"
"I bet she would," Daddy replied, helping me fold my dinosaur blanket. "And maybe you can show her your new dinosaur pajamas too." Daddy had bought three more pairs for me.
I nodded enthusiastically, carefully positioning Patches and Bear on the couch so they'd be ready to greet our guests. The prospect of meeting someone new—especially someone who might be like me—sent a thrill of excitement through me.
When the knock came at the door, I practically vibrated with anticipation. Daddy checked the peephole before opening it, revealing Daisy standing with a tall, tattooed man who looked nearly as imposing as Daddy. Beside him stood a petite womanwith long blonde hair pulled into pigtails, clutching a teddy bear wearing a pink tutu.
"Hello, sweetie." Daisy greeted me warmly. "This is Bolt and Annabel. They've been so excited to meet you."
I shyly stepped closer to Daddy, suddenly feeling a bit overwhelmed. The woman—Annabel—smiled brightly at me, then held up her teddy bear.
"This is Princess," she said, her voice soft and musical. "She's been super excited to meet your stuffies."
My shyness melted away at the mention of Patches and Bear. "My stuffies are over here," I explained, taking her hand without thinking and pulling her toward the couch. "This is Patches, he's been with me for a long time. And this is Bear—he's new, but he's already Patches' best friend."
Annabel followed me eagerly, sitting cross-legged on the floor as I introduced our stuffed animals with great ceremony. She treated each introduction with perfect seriousness, making Princess bow to Patches and Bear.
"Princess is very pleased to meet such distinguished gentlemen," Annabel said, her eyes twinkling. "She doesn't have many boyfriends."
"They can all be friends," I declared, arranging the three stuffies in a circle. "Patches likes everyone, and Bear is learning."
From the corner of my eye, I saw Daddy and Bolt disappearing into the kitchen with Daisy, but I was too engrossed in playing with Annabel to worry about them. She was showing me how Princess could do a special twirl in her tutu.
"Do you want to color?" I asked, gesturing to my new supplies. "Daddy got me dinosaur books."
"I love dinosaurs," Annabel said, already reaching for the coloring books. "Which one's your favorite?"
Chapter eleven