His To Break

I

             "When the laughter fades and moments shared become memories forgotten, solitude becomes the only companion left."

Celia rushed to her bed, her footsteps echoing softly against the marble floor. Her face glowed with excitement as she clutched the book to her chest, barely able to contain her joy. She climbed onto the bed, tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, and slipped under the comforter, laying the book in front of her. She waited, eyes wide, for her father to come and read to her.

Just then, a thought struck her. She scrambled out of bed, crossing the room to where her brown teddy bear sat patiently on a chair by the dresser. Scooping him up, she hugged him close. "Oh, Mr. Teddy! I’m so sorry I left you behind," she murmured, pouting. "I know you’re just as excited to hear the story."

With Mr. Teddy clutched to her chest, Celia returned to bed, snuggling under the covers. This time, she waited with her beloved companion by her side, ready for the magic of story-time to begin.

The sound of footsteps grew closer, and as the door opened, Celia burst with excitement. "Papa!" she cried, her voice ringing through the room. Standing on the bed, she stretched out her arms, ready to be swept up into his warmth.

Ricardo stepped in, a gentle smile spreading across his face as he approached the bed. He gathered little Celia into his arms, feeling her joy radiate like sunshine. Her eyes sparkled with pure delight, her excitement almost contagious.

"Papa, are you going to read the story to me now?" she asked eagerly, holding up the book that lay beside her on the bed. "You promised last time, remember?"

“Celia, dear, I’m sorry, but Papa has so much work to do. Can we read the story another time?” Ricardo said, forcing a gentle smile. He felt a pang of guilt as he spoke, knowing he was lying to his daughter. The workload on his shoulders was heavy, and with Celia’s stepmother and her half-sister also present, his time was stretched thin.

For the past month, he had struggled to find moments to spend with Celia. Sometimes it was work that demanded his attention, and other times it was the needs of his other daughter that pulled him away. The thought of disappointing Celia twisted in his chest, but he felt trapped by responsibilities that seemed never-ending.

“But you said the same thing last time!” Celia exclaimed, her earlier excitement slowly fading from her eyes.

“I’m so sorry, Mia Tesoro,” Ricardo replied, his heart aching at her disappointment. “Papa really wants to read the story to his piccola, but there’s so much work to do. If I don’t finish on time, my boss will be angry.” He exaggerated a stern expression, pretending to scold himself, trying to lighten the mood. “You wouldn’t want Papa to get in trouble, would you?”

“No!” Celia pouted, her face clouded with sadness. “I don’t want anyone to scold you!” She looked up at him with wide, pleading eyes. “But can’t you read just a little bit for me? Only a little bit?” she asked, her hands showing him just how small a portion she meant. “Just a little bit, please… pretty please!” She blinked innocently, making her eyes wide for better effects.. and  her lips forming a small pout, hoping to sway her father’s decision.

Ricardo, aware of his daughter's clever tactics to get her way, found himself falling for her charm once again. "Alright!" he said with a chuckle, scooping her into his arms and laying her gently on the bed before settling beside her. “But you can’t convince me like this every time, okay?” He made a mock stern face as he picked up the book. Celia, snuggled next to her teddy bear, nodded vigorously and pulled Mr. Teddy closer.