I turned to the door and couldn’t help but smile. “Come in, princess.”
The door flew open, and there she was, my six-year-old whirlwind of joy, bursting into the room with her usual energy.
I laughed, arms open. She rushed into them without hesitation, and I hugged her like I hadn’t seen her in years. She melted into me, her tiny hands wrapped around my neck. I smothered her cheeks with kisses, making her giggle uncontrollably.
“I missed you!” she squealed, holding a plate with leftover strawberry cake. Her favorite.
“Yummy,” I said, pretending to take a huge bite. “You’re the best.”
I kissed her forehead softly.
“I’m sorry, princess,” I murmured. “Something came up last night. That’s why I had to stay at the hospital. But don’t worry. I’m all yours today. Not going anywhere.”
She b
