Page 23 of Protect Me Daddy

As I settled at a table, selecting my first marker, a profound sense of peace washed over me. This place was pretty much the opposite of O’Malley’s. When I thought back to how it had been, working at that place, it truly felt as though I’d been a different person, in a different world.

I looked up at Dwight, my heart overflowing with gratitude. "Thank you for bringing me here. Thank you for everything."

His eyes crinkled as he smiled, gently stroking my hair. "Anything for my little girl."

I was absorbed in coloring a whimsical butterfly when a cheerful voice piped up beside me.

"Hi! I'm Lily. Wanna see my special markers?"

I looked up to find a petite blonde girl beaming at me, her pink tutu swaying as she bounced on her toes. Glittery ribbons adorned her pigtails, catching the light with each movement.

"Sure," I replied, my voice small but eager. "I'm Tilly."

She gasped with delight. “Tilly and Lily? We have to be friends, it’s like destiny.” Lily plopped down next to me, spreading out an array of markers. "These are scented! Smell this one—it's cotton candy!" Her voice was soft and cute, with a subtle southern accent.

I leaned in, inhaling the sweet aroma. "Wow, that's amazing!" The scent took me straight back to being a kid.

"I know, right? Oh, and look at my unicorn book!" She thrust a sparkly coloring book under my nose. "Daddy James got it for me special."

My eyes flicked to where two men—Dwight and who I assumed was James—stood chatting nearby. But my attention was quickly recaptured by Lily's infectious enthusiasm.

"Want to color together?" she asked.

I nodded, feeling a warm glow spread through my chest. It felt so natural, so right, to slip into this childlike headspace here. No judgement, no pressure—just pure, innocent fun.

As we giggled over our artwork, Lily suddenly gasped. "Oh! We should have a tea party! Come on!"

She tugged my hand, leading me to a corner set up with a small table and chairs. China cups—no, plastic painted to look fancy —awaited us.

"Here," Lily instructed, handing me a teapot. "You pour for the stuffies first. It's proper manners."

I carefully "poured" for the assembled plush animals, including my own Red Rabbit who I'd brought along.

"Now we add sugar," Lily demonstrated, miming the action with a tiny spoon. "And stir, stir, stir!"

We clinked our cups together, erupting into giggles as we pretended to sip.

"Would you like a cookie?" I offered, presenting an imaginary platter.

"Oh yes, please!" Lily replied with exaggerated politeness before chomping down on thin air.

As we played, a warmth bloomed in my chest unlike anything I'd ever felt before. This was acceptance - pure and unconditional. For the first time in my life, I felt I truly belonged.

I couldn't help but marvel at the magical world unfolding around me. Everywhere I looked, there were littles engaged in various stages of innocent play, their faces alight with pure joy. In one corner, a group huddled over coloring books, their tongues peeking out in concentration as they carefully filled in intricate patterns. Nearby, two girls were constructing an impressive tower of blocks, their eyes wide with determination.

"Look, Tills!" Lily tugged on my sleeve, pointing towards a cozy nook. "That's the movie room."

I peered inside, my heart melting at the sight of littles snuggled up with their caregivers, all transfixed by the colorful underwater world of The Little Mermaid dancing across the screen. The soft glow from the TV cast a warm, comforting light over their faces.

"And over there," Lily continued, practically bouncing with excitement, "that's where we have family dinners!"

The dining area she indicated was adorned with cheerful, child-sized furniture and brightly colored plastic tableware. Everything about it screamed 'fun' rather than 'formal.'

I found myself exhaling slowly, a tension I hadn't even realized I'd been carrying finally releasing. "This place is amazing," I whispered, more to myself than to Lily.

Suddenly, a clear voice rang out over a hidden speaker system. "Attention, everyone! It's time for our weekly Princess Parade!"

Lily let out a squeal of delight, grabbing both my hands. "Oh, Tilly! You have to dress up with me. Please, please, please?"

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