Comfort

A small child cracked the door ajar and moused her head through cautiously. A cone of light from the hallway cut through the room, illuminating the foot of the bed. Unsure how to proceed, the girl called out meekly, but her voice was drowned out by the roar of rain and thunder outside. “ Daddy,” she squeaked, hardly audible at all. She paused, standing in the doorway, waiting for a replay, but there was none. She tried again, stronger this time, but the result was the same. She steeled herself, then after gathering her courage, pressed the door open just enough for her slight frame to slip through, then crept to the near side of the bed. Her silhouette formed then faded into blackness as lightning struck a tree several miles away.
“Daddy,” she whispered. A rumbling crack, preceded by the brilliant flash, thundered and shook the floor, and the windows chattered like clacking dentures. The child, now on the verge of tears, tugged on the comforter, desperate to wake the bed's slumbering occupant.
“Daddy, I'm scared,” her voice trembled. She tugged more vigorously now.
“Jessica? Sweetheart, what's wrong?” the man asked, still groggy with sleep. As if in response, the entire room lit up and he could see his daughter's hair frazzled and electrified by the storm. The subsequent boom rattled his teeth and it made him wonder what he had done to anger the gods so. His hand moved slowly to the nightstand, searching for the bedside lamp switch. He found it and and a soft, yellow light washed over them. The father scooted over to make room and patted the bed beside him. With his assistance, Jessica hoisted herself up, and slipped under the covers head first. She righted herself, then snuggled against her father, safe now from the world's many evils. Her father placed his arm around her protectively and pulled her closer, then rested his head back down and began dozing.
Jessica, still restless from the storm, fidgeted herself as close to her father as she could.
“Daddy,” she whispered, soft as silk. It tickled his ear and he smiled.
“Yes, princess?”
“I can't sleep. Will you tell me a story, please, please? “ He wanted so badly to sleep. He needed so badly to sleep. But she melted his heart, and he couldn't say no.
“Ok, sweetie. What would you like to hear a story about?”
“A love story. With a beautiful princess. And magic!” she tried to whisper, but she was too excited.
Her mother was awake now. Her voice was stern and cold. “Jessica, you know you are to stay in your bed until the morning.”
“Yes, mother but..” Her father cut her off.
“But there was a storm. I was scared and she was keeping me safe.” He gave his daughter a little squeeze.
“Robert, she has to learn. She's too old for this childishness.”
“Diana...” The phone rang; Robert answered.

“What is it? Can it wait? Give me five minutes.” He hung up. “They need me. Might be a while.” He pulled Jessica up and over him and placed her gently next to her mother, who stroked her hair affectionately. He swung his feet over the ledge of the bed, then stood deliberately. His back and knees popped in unison, reminding him of his age. He dressed quickly in jeans and a sweatshirt, then kissed his wife and daughter. “Jessica, I'll tell you that story tomorrow night. Now be a brave little girl and get some sleep, okay?” He gave her another quick kiss, then headed out the door, shutting it gently behind him.