My eyes snapped open, wide and unblinking, as if torn from the clutches of some unseen terror.

For a moment, I was in a trance . The world was suspended between the remnants of the nightmare and the cold clarity of reality.

The room felt dark, still, and achingly familiar, but my mind struggled to catch up.

* hahh *

* hahh *

My breathing was rapid and shallow, with each inhalation and exhalation coming in short, sharp gasps.

My chest heaved as they struggled to draw in enough air, lungs burning with the need for oxygen.

I sat up and reached for the water bottle beside my bed. I could still feel the lingering sensation of those hands. The bulging veins, pulsated arms, long, slender fingers. The hunger as they reached for my flesh.

I felt a chill down my spine just re thinking my nightmare. I subconsciously ended up robbing my arms.

" Papa yew alwrite? "

A sweet, childish voice reached my ears, pulling me back to reality. I turned my head to the left and saw my daughter lying beside me. My actions must have disturbed her.

Her eyes were nearly closed, and her voice was thick with sleep, yet a trace of worry lingered on her innocent face.

I didn't respond immediately. My hand reached for her forehead, gently stroking her hair. She snuggled closer, resting her head on my lap. Still, I remained silent.

I needed to calm myself first; I couldn't let her see me in this state. Taking deep breaths, I tried to steady my heartbeat, reminding myself that it was just a dream.

" Papa is alright sweety.. you know that nothing can scare your papa right?" I replied, my voice soft.

"Uhm.. you shure?"

" Yes yes don't worry.. papa is strong " I said while ruffling her hair.

I never thought I could feel so safe with a three-year-old. But kids have a special power, the ability to calm your mind.

Their innocence and purity are beautiful, and the love they show is incredibly strong.

Just looking into my daughter's face reminded me of the simple joys in life.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

A smile from her can melt away my worries, wrapping me in warmth that feels both comforting and real.

In those moments, any parent would forget their troubles, even if just for a little while. The pure love of a child is a healing force, no matter how big the worry.

" Papa is strong.. but mama is stronger "

She murmured in half sleep and nods her head as she says this.. indicating that indeed what she said makes the most sense.

And I, on the other hand, was dumbfounded. I tilted my head and asked,

" What?

What do you mean? "

Her eyebrows lifted, and she looked me in the eyes. Her gaze made it the most obvious thing. Then, in the same sleepy tone, she said,

" Well papa always gets scolded from mama. And she looks so scaryyy when she is angry" she focused on the scary part a bit much, forcing a chucke out of me.

But her words left me in thoughts. Indeed what she said makes sense. But I can't let her know that.

With an innocent look, a placed my hand on my chest and with a slow and hurting voice I whispered

" So does that mean you love mama more because she is strong?

Ouch! I am hurt "

My voice somewhat extra dramatic .

I noticed her being flustered and panicked . Not the best thing I should have done but she looks so cute that I can't help it.

If you ain't teasing your children like that then you are not enjoying life to your fullest.

She immediately sat up and waved her hands left and right.

" No no no no .. of course I love papa as well . You brings me chocolates.. ice cream. Takes me to play outside and you are the bestttt papa in the world . You take so much care of me "

A subtle smile found its way on my lips. All the worries and fear I experienced gone. I ruffled her hair and gave her a kiss.

She laid down on my hand facing me .. her legs on my stomach.. though barely and slowly whispered

" You know. I love mama as well but I will love you more if we can eat ice cream right now "

Her puppy eyes brimming with an innocent expression. There was subtle droop to the brows, giving the face a tender, almost heart-melting appeal.

And of course the gaze was irresistibly endearing.

This four year old shameless brat. She has mastered the art of manipulation and I was the victim more often than her mother.

Well how could I say no to her now. It would be cruel of me and obviously it was not related to the fact that I wanted to show off in front of her mother later

" Alright.. but just a small amount . And don't tell your mother that we ate at night okay? "

She noded her head fast and with bringing hand to her mouth.. she motioned to zip her lips.

Shaking my head I picked her up in my arms . Where the hell is she even learning all this from? Who is corrupting my sweet daughter.

It can't be me so, It has to be her mother.

We will need to talk when she comes back.

I sat her down on the kitchen slab and took out the ice cream. Her eyes shone

We proceeded to eat ice cream and it didn't end up in small amount.

" Shit .. your mother gonna get angry if we any more "

" Shit " she mimicked and I paled.

" No no.. bad word. You can't say it "

" But papa can? "

" Papa can't either. I am sorry okay? "

Am I the one spoiling her? Can't be right?

I laid her down beside me and she fell asleep real quick.

I lay there, staring into the ceiling , the silence of the midnight slowly unraveling the edges of the fear until only fragments of the dream remained, fading like whispers in the dark.

I kissed her on the forehead.

" Goodnight Sylvie.. papa loves you "

" I wuv you meore ".. or something she said in her sleep.

With a smile on my face .. I fell asleep again.