There's something demeaning about grown ups. They think you don't understand but you do… I've always understood. The fights Mommy and Daddy get into, I know they're not about me… well they are kinda about me, but sometimes I have to wonder why Mommy brings me into it… Anyways, I know that when parents fight, kids usually think it's their fault. I don't know how I know this but I do. Maybe it's because I fell like I should feel responsible but I never do. I know it's about daddy's work.

I've known this for ages… I can kinda remember Daddy's birthday. He was supposed to be at home for the weekend but he got called in. Mommy said it was alright but everyone knew it wasn't, even Daddy, but he still left.

Then there was that time last year when Mommy and Daddy were supposed to take me to get our pictures taken, but Daddy got called to work… That was when Mommy started bringing her friend home. She never said anything to me, just sat me in the living room and turned on the TV loudly, saying that she and her friend had to go upstairs to talk grown up talk. But I knew this was to go unsaid to Daddy… Daddy could never know. And now, every time daddy goes away, her friend comes over and I hate it… I never liked the lies and I especially hate when Mommy lies to Daddy.

Today was worst of all. Daddy was supposed to be staying home with us…not having to travel anymore. In the afternoon while I was supposed to be napping, Mommy and Daddy started yelling again… well mostly Mommy… Daddy tried to reason with her to understand where he was coming from.

Daddy soon came in to give me a kiss goodbye. I held onto his arms so tightly, I didn't want him to go. Not for the same reason as Mommy. I knew what Daddy did meant something to someone, and I loved that and I loved the people he worked with… They were so crazy: Nelly with her cool room with all the screens; Uncle Gideon had his fun cabin; Reid was funny when he said his silly things; Morgan and M'ly were just fun; and JJ was fun when she would make fun of Daddy… She was the only one who did that.

I didn't want him to go because I got that sick feeling in my tummy when something is going to happen. I stared after Daddy a long time, until the front door closed and his car pulled out from the driveway.

Then Mommy comes into my room. "C'mon baby, I need you to get changed for me."

I did as I was told and changed. Mommy came in and grabbed my bag and started putting stuff into it. She picked me up and carried me down stairs and, putting my bag on my shoulders and grabbing a suitcase, she carried me out the open door. She strapped me into the back-seat of her own car and started driving.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"Aunty Jessie's."

"For how long?"

"A while…"

"Is Daddy coming?" I already knew the answer.

"No," he replied in a whisper and I knew she was crying.

Now I am lying in bed, in my aunt's room she made for me, missing my old bed, missing Mr. Fluffy, my teddy and, most of all, missing my Daddy… So, after telling you everything, I need some things from you…

Please God, Keep my bed warm.

Keep Mr. Fluffy company.

But most importantly, God, Keep my Daddy safe… He needs it now more then ever.