Not Alone

I’m not alone. She happily remembered the elation she had felt when he agreed to tag along. But a sinking feeling went through her as she recalled where she was going; and what would happen when she reached there. She let out a heavy sigh.

“What’s wrong?” came his firm, strong reply. She felt so safe with him. Everything, her heart screamed, but her lips said, “Nothing.” She forced a smile. This seemed to satisfy him, for he gave another one of his smiles, the kind which stays with you forever, the kind you think of at night to stop yourself from panicking when you hear monsters under your bed. His smile always made her feel better.

They spent a couple of minutes walking. He seemed perfectly relaxed, oblivious to the tension building up inside his partner. She felt like bursting. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she tried bravely to blink them away. No such luck. She sniffed quietly, hoping that he would miss the sound. No such luck. He stopped walking and turned to face her, his expression full of concern. He bent down so that his face was level with hers. At his full height, he towered over her. Come to think of it, he is pretty intimidating, she had once told herself. But she knew how much of a softie he could be.

His reassuring voice penetrated her musings. “Hey. What’s with the waterworks?” he held her face in his hands and wiped away a tear, “Come on, sweetie,” he cajoled. She sniffed, and, voice cracking, said, “I don’t want to go. I don’t want to leave you!” She broke down, and ran into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

“But you have to, baby,” he said, holding her tight.

“But I don’t want to,” she tearfully declared.

“You must,” he said, with a tone of finality.

He held her at arm’s length, and critically looked into her eyes and her tear-stained face. He giggled. She was startled. How could he laugh at a time like this? But despite herself, she started giggling too. His laughter was infectious! He kissed her forehead and playfully tapped her nose. She giggled again, feeling infinitely better.

“Ready to go to school now?” he asked.

“Okay, Daddy!” she replied, hugging him.