Dependants

I'd had a pretty hectic day with my six-year-old. When bed time finally came, I laid down the law:

"We're putting on your p.j's, brushing your teeth, and reading ONE book. Then it's lights out!"

Her arms went around my neck in a gentle embrace, and she said, "We learned in school about little boys and girls who don't have mommies and daddies."

Even after I'd been such a grouch, I thought, she was still grateful to have me. I felt tears begin to well up in my eyes, and then she whispered,

"Maybe you could go be THEIR Dad?"