Daddy's Precious Little Girl

Trying To Find Peace

Ethan's POV

After the visit to the nurse's office, I decided to take Ashlynn back to my dorm for dinner. I quickly prepared mac and cheese with chicken strips— one of her favorites. The familiar aroma filled the room as I set the table, and Ashlynn's eyes lit up when she saw the food.

"Yummy!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands together as she struggled to climb into her chair. I couldn't help but smile, as I helped her up. A grateful smile filling her face and I was grateful for the small moments of joy we could still share amid the chaos.

As we ate, I watched her enjoy every bite, the tension from earlier seemingly melting away. We chatted about the movie we had watched the night before, and I felt a sense of normalcy returning.

"This so good, Daddy!" she said, her face breaking into a grin, and my heart swelled at her words.

"Glad you like it, precious girl," I replied, savoring the moment. I wanted to hold onto this happiness, even if just for a while.

But once dinner was over, the reality of the situation returned. I needed to get her back to her dorm for bed. I helped her clean up, and led her back to her dorm but as we approached her door, her face fell, and panic flashed in her eyes.

"I don't leave you! I don't want to be alone again." she cried, clinging to me tightly. "Please don't make me!"

I felt my heart sink as I wrapped my arms around her. "It's okay, sweetheart. You're safe with me. I promise I won't let anything happen to you."

But she shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I'm scared, Daddy! Please don't leave me alone!"

I realized I needed to find a solution. I couldn't sleep in her dorm, it was against the rules so I reached for my phone and called Mr. Delas. "Hey, it's Ethan. I need to talk to you about Ashlynn."

"Is everything okay?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

"She's really upset about going back to her dorm," I explained. "I want to know if it's alright for her to stay in my dorm tonight."

There was a pause on the other end, and I held my breath, anxiously waiting for his answer. "That's fine for tonight, Ethan. But I'll check on you both in the morning."

"Thank you," I said, relief flooding through me. I hung up and turned to Ashlynn, who was still clinging to me. "You can stay with me tonight, Ashlynn. We'll make it a special sleepover."

Her eyes widened, and though she was still trembling, a flicker of hope crossed her face. "Really?"

"Really," I reassured her, lifting her into my arms. "Let's go get you ready for bed before we head back."

Before heading to my dorm, I quickly ran a warm bath for her, hoping it would help her relax. As she splashed playfully in the tub, I felt a sense of calm returning, if only for a moment. After her bath, I helped her dry off and put on a comfy onesie sleeper, the fabric soft and cozy against her skin. She looked up at me, her big eyes shining, and I knew that this small act was helping ease her anxiety.

Once we reached my dorm, I took her into the nursery next to my bedroom. I had chosen everything in the room with her in mind, from the soft purple and blue pastels on the walls to the array of stuffed animals lined up on the shelves. Everything was new and inviting, designed to make her feel safe.

I picked up the purple elephant stuffy and handed it to her. "This is for you," I said, watching her small hands wrap around it.

"He's so cute!" she exclaimed, squeezing it tightly against her chest.

"What do you want to name him?" I asked, curious to see what she would come up with.

Ashlynn thought for a moment, her brow furrowing in concentration. "Sir Edington!" she declared, her eyes shining with pride.

"Sir Edington it is," I said, chuckling at the name. "That's a very noble name for a brave elephant."

"Yeah!" she giggled, the sound lifting some of the weight from my heart.

Now that she had a name for her new friend, I guided her to the toddler bed made for Littles that sat in the corner, adorned with soft purple blankets and pillows. After tucking her in, I pulled up a chair beside her. "How about a bedtime story?" I suggested, my heart swelling at the way her eyes lit up again.

"Can we read about another princess?" she asked, her voice full of excitement. We have been reading princess stories every night.

"Of course," I replied, finding a book about a girl who lived with her stepmother and two stepsisters, later becoming a princess. I began to read, my voice soft and soothing as I narrated the tale.

As I read, Ashlynn's eyelids grew heavy, and soon she was drifting off to sleep, clutching Sir Edington tightly. I felt a wave of satisfaction, knowing I had created a safe space for her, at least for the night.

Around midnight, I was jolted awake by a piercing scream echoing from the nursery. My heart raced as I bolted upright, adrenaline coursing through my veins. I rushed into the nursery, my heart pounding as I threw open the door.

"Ashlynn!" I called, my voice filled with concern. I found her sitting up in bed, tears streaming down her cheeks, her little body trembling in fear.

"Daddy!" she sobbed, reaching out for me.

Without hesitation, I rushed to her side, gathering her into my arms. "It's okay, I'm here. You're safe," I whispered, feeling her small frame shake against me.

"I had a bad dream." she cried softly, burying her face in my shoulder.

"I know, sweetheart. I'm right here," I said, rubbing her back gently, trying to soothe her. After she had calmed a little I attempted to settle her back in her bed, but she clung to me, her sobs returning full force.

"Can I stay with you?" she pleaded, her eyes wide with fear.

"Of course," I said softly, feeling a sense of urgency to calm her. "Let's get some sleep together."

I lifted her off the bed into my arms, carrying her to my bedroom. As I laid her down beside me, I wrapped my arms around her, feeling her relax slightly as she snuggled close.

"Daddy?" she murmured sleepily.

"Yeah, precious girl?"

"Don't let the bad dreams get me," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"I won't. I promise, I'm not going anywhere." I said softly, holding her close.

With Ashlynn nestled against me, I finally felt a sense of peace wash over us. No matter what challenges lay ahead, I was determined to protect her, both from the nightmares that haunted her sleep and the fears that shadowed her waking hours.

As I drifted back to sleep, I held her tightly, resolved to keep her safe, always.