I heard hooves. I couldn’t help but squeal in excitement. I nearly tripped over the furniture while I hurried to run outside. I waited impatiently at the door while the sound grew louder and then I saw them! I waved. A big smile on my face. He smiled back. Dad! Finally he had come home!

He looked stunning sitting on his huge horse. Gaith whinnied when he saw me and shook his big decaying head. The flesh flapped around spreading the awful stench of decay everywhere. I could see white bones flashing.

Then my eyes darted up to Dad. He was still as beautiful as the day we had met with his dark grey skin and blood red eyes. Dad wore his usual black harem pants and a see through black silk shirt. He hadn’t buttoned it close and it was hanging loosely off his shoulders, exposing his muscular torso and golden nipple rings that were connected with small golden chains to his just as golden collar.

“Gladys." His voice was sweet as sugar, making my legs feel weak. Dad was back! My home was complete again. I couldn't help but smile like an idiot. Dad got off the horse with a low grunt. Just then I noticed his stomach. Normally Dad had a six pack but now he looked as if he was eight months pregnant. He noticed my stare and grinned. Then he patted his belly.

“Do you like it? This means I won’t have to eat for at least three months!" I could feel an even bigger smile spread all over my face. Dad wouldn’t leave me for 3 months! I squealed and hugged him.

“Careful darling, Dad is full." He whispered while petting my head.

“Can you take care of Gaith for me, darling? I want to lie down." Dad asked me. I nodded eagerly. I was too excited to talk.

“I wait for you on the sofa." Dad whispered before he waddled inside. I never knew someone could waddle elegantly but Dad pulled it off. From the side he looked like a pregnant bride, with his black long hair shrouding him like a veil.

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I took Gaith's lead and brought him to the small stable behind our cabin. I removed his harness and saddle before opening the door so he could decide to spend his time inside the stable or outside, free in the midnight forest.

We didn’t need to worry that he would run away. Dad was Gaith master. Gaith was an undead horse that was bound to Dad by a contract. Without Dad, Gaith wouldn’t even exist. I patted Gaith decaying skin before heading inside to finally reunite with Dad.

Inside Dad was already lying on the sofa, his hands supporting his big belly. I couldn’t help but smile. “My face is going to hurt tomorrow from all the smiling.” I thought. With Dad here, the cabin finally felt like a real home again. I felt safe again. I cuddled onto the sofa next to him, inhaling his dark scent.

“No nesting." He muttered. I nodded proudly resting my head on his shoulder just beside the collarbone. It still was a perfect fit. “Such a good little puppy." He chuckled and started rubbing my back in small circles, making me purr in satisfaction.

I had missed this. I had missed him. I knew after eating Dad would lie down and sleep for a few days. I didn’t care. Right now, here in his arms, I was happy. These were the rare moments I lived for, the moments where I felt at peace and contempt.

Dad's hand started to slow down and soon it stopped, resting on my waist. His chest was slowly rising and falling. I looked up at his face that was breathtakingly symmetrical. Dad was beautiful. His eyelashes were as long and now that his eyes were closed they looked like wings of butterflies.

To me Dad was the most perfect and beautiful person in the whole world. I didn't care what kind of mythical creature Dad was. To me he was Dad. My home. My saviour. My safe place.

I carefully placed my head back on his shoulder, right beside the collarbone. Perfection. I sighed and closed my eyes as well. This time I didn't need the TV to drift off to sleep. The sound of Dad's even breathing, the warmth of his body and his dark scent were enough to send me into a peaceful slumber.