Page 16 of Protect Me Daddy

"So, what kind of game do you want to play?" I asked, my voice small.

"One where Princess Bunny faces scary things, but her Guard, Mr. Fluffles, is always there to keep her safe." Dwight's tone was reassuring, but I felt a tremor of anxiety.

My fingers twisted in the hem of my new sundress. "I don't know if I want to play that."

"It's okay to be nervous," Dwight said. "We'll go slow. Can you show me how Princess Bunny might feel walking down a dark street?"

My hand shook slightly as I took the bunny. I made her hop tentatively, looking around with exaggerated movements. "She's scared," I whispered. "She keeps thinking she hears footsteps behind her."

Dwight nodded encouragingly. "That's right. Now watch how Guard Bear responds."

He made the teddy stride confidently alongside my bunny. "Don't worry, Princess," he said in a deep, gruff voice. "I'm right here with you. You're brave and strong, and I won't let anything hurt you."

Something inside me began to uncoil. I felt tears prick at my eyes, but they weren't from fear this time.

"What happens next?" I asked, my voice steadier.

"Whatever you want," Dwight said. "Princess Bunny is in control of her story."

I took a deep breath, surprised by how much lighter I felt. "Maybe . . . maybe she sees a shadow that scares her?"

Dwight smiled warmly. "Let's see how she handles it, with her Guard by her side."

As we continued to play, I found myself working through scenarios that had haunted my dreams. Each time, Dwight's bear was there - strong, protective, but always reminding my bunny of her own courage.

Finally, I felt a little sliver of safety coming back to me. It felt like warm honey.

“Now, I’m going to teach you something, sweetheart,” Dwight said, “Because sometimes princesses need to slay their own dragons.”

“Sounds scary.”

“I promise you, it’ll make you feel more confident.”

So, over the next twenty minutes or so, Dwight taught me some basic self-defence tricks. The sensitive parts on a man, how to break a hold, and, crucially, how to fight dirty.

“No such thing as a fair fight,” he said, “you’ve got to struggle for an advantage, okay?”

The more we practiced, the better I felt, and sure enough, I could sense my confidence rising and rising. He’d be there for me, but I had to be there for myself, too.

When we were done, Daddy got out some coloring for me to do. I’d enjoyed facing up to some fears, but it also felt really good just to let go and sink into the coloring.

I hunched over the coloring book, my tongue poking out in concentration as I carefully filled in the intricate mandala pattern. The soft scratch of colored pencils against paper was soothing, lulling me deeper into my little headspace.

"Look, Daddy!" I exclaimed, holding up the half-finished design. "Isn't it pretty?"

Dwight leaned in, his eyes crinkling with warmth. "It's beautiful, princess. You're doing such a wonderful job."

His praise made me glow inside. I returned to my coloring with renewed enthusiasm, but after a few minutes, I noticed my water glass was empty. Without thinking, I stood up.

"I'm just gonna-" I started, already heading for the kitchen.

"Tilly," Dwight's gentle voice stopped me in my tracks. "What did we agree about leaving the room?"

My cheeks flushed as I realized my mistake. "Oh! I'm supposed to ask permission first. I'm sorry, Daddy. I forgot."

Dwight's expression was kind but firm. "That's right, little one. It's important to remember our rules. They help keep you safe and make sure I always know where you are."

I nodded, feeling a twinge of guilt for disappointing him. "I'm really sorry. Can I please go get some more water?"

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