20 parts Complete The little girl laughed as her father swung her around and around. She was in her pure white night shift, trimmed with lace, all ready for bedtime. But first, there was a special ritual to enact.
"All right, my sweet one. What shall the story be tonight?" He laid her gently on her mattress.
"Papa!" the child laughed as she snuggled down under her handmade quilt, "You ask me the same thing every night!"
He laughed as well, tucking her floppy rag doll in beside her. Stroking her cheek gently with one finger, he said, "And every night you give the same answer. But remind your old father once again: what story do you want to hear tonight?"
"Oh, Papa, don't be so silly. You know what story! The story. The best story in the world."
At this, her father knew his cue to give in. "Very well, my daughter. But are you certain you will be awake for the end? It's already quite late, and your Mama will…"
"Papa!"
He laughed again, and she settled down at the deep, soothing sound of his voice as he began.