Dear Daddy:
I
Mommy says if I try really hard I can hear your boots on the porch before you open the door tonight. Mommy says if I close my eyes and scrunch them shut real tight I can see your face as you read me a bedtime story. Mommy says Daddys love to read to their little girls. Mommy says if I go to sleep right now then you might come home and dance with me. I love dancing with you Daddy.
II
Mom says Uncle Steven will go with me to the Father Daughter dance tonight, but I don’t want him to. Daddy, you’re the only one I want to dance with me tonight, tomorrow, or ever. Mom says Uncle Steven doesn’t mind. He might not, but I do. Mom says to stop daydreaming. But I’m not dreaming Daddy. You’re too real to be a dream.
III
Cal says his father will walk me down the aisle if I want. I said ok, but it’s not okay Daddy. I don’t want Mr. Benson to give me away. I want you. Uncle Steven and Mr. Benson asked if they could take turns dancing with me tonight during our special song. But it’s not their song. It’s OUR song Daddy. Ours. They’re talking me into it. Make them stop.
IV
Jensen says thank you for the birthday card. I can’t believe he’s already eight. It was a nice card, well written, signed “Love Grandma.” I added your name Daddy. “Love Grandma and Grandpa” sounds a lot better. Doesn’t it Daddy?
V
Chloe says she needs to borrow something. She says it can be anything special. I gave her my best pair of dancing shoes Daddy. She walked down her own aisle today in them. Jensen waited for her at the altar. Your little girl’s baby boy is all grown up.
VI
Mommys gone Daddy. She’s gone, and today I had to speak in front of everyone. I had to stand there and pretend like it was all okay. I told them I loved her, and that you told me to tell them you loved her too. Some raised eyebrows; others gave me a frown, but most just shook their heads and whispered. Why do they whisper about me Daddy?
VII
Nurse Ellie says it’s real bad Daddy. She says they’re going to move me to a place called Hospice. I think it’s some sort of special hospital, but no one will tell me anything.  “Take your pills Gracie.” That’s all they ever say Daddy. “Take your pills.”
VIII
Doctor Kellen says I don’t have long now Daddy. He says if I would just fight, I’d be fine. But I don’t want to fight. I want to see your face again. Watch Daddy, I’m closing my eyes just like Mommy told me to so long ago. I’m going to scrunch them shut now and go to sleep real quick. Maybe, if I sleep deeply enough you’ll finally come home.
IX
Read me a story Daddy. Read me a story as I drift away. Mommy said Daddys love to read to their little girls.
X
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