This is the 3rd and final installment in my short story Sunshine. Hope you enjoy!
The Rain Has Stopped
There is pounding on the door. Mrs. Jefferson’s forehead wrinkles and she gets up. “Hold on, honey, I’ll be right back.”
“Ok.” I swirl the marshmallows around in my mug.
“Mrs. Jefferson!” The familiar voice comes in short gasps. “Have you seen Emma? She’s gone, and I can’t find her anywhere!”
Mrs. Jefferson just smiles. “We’ve been having a chat.’
My heart is still. It’s Daddy, and I’m afraid he’ll cry when he sees me again. I don’t want him to be said.
I glance down at Hubert, who is sitting in my lap. “What should I do?” I whisper.
Hubert’s eyes just twinkle back at me. I feel for the heart bead inside him and squash it between my thumb and finger, holding my breath.
“But-- why--?” Daddy’s voice ends on a high, confused note.
Mrs. Jefferson says something, but I can’t hear what. She’s speaking too low.
The next minute, Daddy comes bowling into the room, sliding to a stop on his knees by my chair. I sit still, twisting Huberts ears together around his neck.
“Hi, Daddy.” I whisper, shy.
“Emma!” Daddy pants. He grabs me in his arms and crushes me against him. I feel something wet trickle down my cheek, and I can’t tell if it’s me crying or Daddy.
“Like the rain.” I choke. Daddy straightens, holding me at arms length. His eyes search my face.
“I love you, Emma.” He says. “You are my sunshine.”
My face crinkles into a grin, and I wiggle my legs.
“When you’re with me,” Daddy continues, hesitating for a moment, but going on with firm words. “The rain will stop.”
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You all have a lovely day!
<3
Victoria