The girl ran down the stairs, terror rocking her tiny frame. The house was almost empty; her two brothers and father were away on a trip. It was just the two of them in the house.

'Mommy! I'm scared!' wailed the girl. 'Jacen's not in my room, and now it's dark and sc-scary!'

'Oh Jaina, honey," her mother sighed. "Jacen'll be back soon. If you want, you can come and sleep with me. Would you like that?' The little girl nodded tearfully and crawled up onto the down-filled mattress. Leia held Jaina close and rocked her to sleep, singing under her breath. Jaina closed her eyes and listened to her mother's song. The sweet, crooning melody was the last thing she heard.

The next morning Leia woke early, the dawn's bright rays compelling her to get up and simply enjoy the sunshine. She stayed on the deck until Jaina's little-girl voice broke through her thoughts. 'Mommy?'

'Yes, Jaina?' Leia smiled at her six year old. 'When is Daddy, Jacen, and Anakin coming home?' Jaina continued, rubbing sleep from her eyes.

'In a few days, sweetheart. They went to Naboo to get some shipment.'

'Why didn't I get to go? I wanted to go!' Jaina stamped her foot.

'Because Daddy thought that you should stay here and keep Mommy company. But don't worry, my darling, he said next time you can go and Jacen will stay and keep me company. Now go up stairs and get dressed.'

Jaina considered her mother's offer for a moment. 'Ok,' she agreed. Leia laughed quietly. Ah, the wonders of childhood.

That night there was a sound of an engine running.

'DADDY!' Jaina shrieked as she ran outside

'Jaina, wait up, love,' Leia called from inside. Jaina skidded to a stop and waited impatiently. Leia emerged holding a dish towel. Jaina grabbed her hand and pulled her along. 'DADDY! JACEN! ANAKIN! YOU'RE BACK!' Jaina screamed in happiness. She ran to her father and hugged him hard. Her brothers were the next in line. Laughing, Han approached Leia and kissed her.

'Ewww,' Jacen and Anakin yelped.

'Shut up! I think it's sweet,' Jaina yelled at her brothers. Han and Leia started laughing.

'I love you Leia,' he whispered. 'I know." She answered. 'Come on, guys, let's go in.'

Jaina, Jacen and Anakin ran inside eagerly. Leia turned around and saw the ghosts of her beloved parents. 'Han, look,' she breathed. Han looked and saw it too. He smiled and leaned in towards his wife –

'Come on you two!' Jaina yelled.

'Jaina, quit being so bossy,' Han told his daughter. Leia just smiled. 'Come, Han, let's go inside.'

The End