While you're sleeping.
...
You look so peaceful in sleep. Did I ever tell you that? Your white blonde tresses splay across the pillow; they frame your delicate face. Your thick eyelashes grace your closed lids.
While sleeping you look even more angelic than usual. The faintest glow of sunlight seeps through the blinds making you glow.
I sigh.
You roll over to face me.
"How long have you been awake?" You whisper.
I shrug. I honestly couldn't tell you. It was dark when I got up.
You pat the bed and so I crawl in beside you. You stroke my hair out of habit.
"I'm sorry." You whisper.
"For what?"
Your intake of breath is sharp. I can tell you're trying not to cry.
"For putting you through this." You whisper.
"You're so young and I'm twice your age...I... your father..."
I shush you with a finger against your lips.
"It's okay." I whisper.
"I want this. I want you. I don't care what they say." I assure you.
I wipe the tears from your cheek and kiss your hand.
"I promise." I say.
"It'll be okay." I assure.
"How do you know?" You whisper.
"I don't."