Counting the Stars

by obsessedwithstabler

We all live in hiding. In one way or another, each of us conceals pieces of ourselves from the rest of the world. Some people hide because their lives depend on it, others because they don't like being seen. And then there are the special cases, the ones who hide because... because... because they just want someone to care enough to look for them.

Just to prove I'm not always evil... Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Not mine!

XXXX

Prompt One: Moonlight

"Daddy, how many stars are in the sky?"

Startled, Marshall looked at his little daughter. She was staring up at the starry sky intently.

"Well, sweetheart, there are millions and millions of stars in the sky."

"That's a lot."

"Mm hmm." He drew his daughter into his lap and hugged her. Amelia was four and she looked more and more like her mother every day.

"Is Mommy up there?"

The innocent question made a lump form in Marshall's throat. Her mother had died when she was born and though she had never met her mother, Marshall spoke of her and told Amelia everything he could remember. Finally he answered, "Yes, sweetheart. I believe she is."

"Dad! Matt is chasing me!" Norah screeched indignantly. A few moments later, he heard his toddler son squealing.

He chuckled as Amelia scampered off his lap and a few moments later, Mary sat down behind him and wrapped her arms around him. He leaned back into her embrace and closed his eyes, comfortable and very much content.

Her lips grazed his neck.

"Count the stars for me, Marshall."

The End.