For My Princess

Am trying my hands on writing fiction. It's been my dream to be a writer, but i guess i'll start with something small. Here's a little short story, i don't know if it's any good. But i do hope you'll enjoy reading it ^^

"There...it's done. So don't cry anymore", he said softly to the teary face beside him. He wiped the tears, and try to smile the best he could. She looked at him, touched his hand with her little fingers and smiled back. 

"She's beautiful", he thought. "Just like her mother". She took it from him and fiddled with its fur. Then she caressed its head as she talked to it softly. 

"You're not hurt anymore, right? I'm sorry i ripped your tummy". He had to smile when he heard this. That afternoon, Sarah came running to him as soon as he opened the door. Coming home from work, he felt tired and  he wish nothing more than to have a meal and a good night rest. But, he forgotten all about it as soon as he saw Sarah calling him "Daddy! Daddy!", sobbing. "What's wrong baby?", he asked, kneeling down and hold her close to him. 

Mak Cik Kiah, who walked behind Sarah said her favorite teddy was ripped. Sarah shoved her teddy to her father's face. "Tak sengaja tadi, tersangkut kat pintu tu. Dia tarik nak kasi lepas, pastu tu koyak", Mak Kiah explained as she took her bag on the shoe rack near the door. She opened the door and before she left she told him that nasi and lauk were already on the table. She said bye-bye to Sarah but Sarah just ignored her (she hugged her father tied and continue wailing). He managed to looked up, "Thanks Mak Kiah". She nodded and started home as always like she did every day for the past two years.

He then carried Sarah to the living room, put her down on the sofa and sat beside her. He looked at the teddy to see how damaged were done. He knew there's no way he can replace the teddy. Sarah would never let him. It was the last gift her mother gave Sarah when she was two, before she moved on to the other side. For the three years after that, Sarah practically went everywhere with the teddy. He inhaled deeply.

"It's time for me to try". 

"I think daddy can fix this. Hold this for a while 'kay Sarah". He got up, went to the cupboard in front of them. "I think mummy used to keep them here", he mumbled. More to himself than to Sarah. His hand groped around the inside of the dusty cupboard. He noted to himself that he will take some time to clean it.  "Ah, here it is", as he took out a small black flowery pouch. He sat beside Sarah again, opened the pouch and took out a needle and a roll of dark green thread. With much difficulty, he managed to get it through the needle hole. He remembered his wife used to tie the end of thread before pulling it through her sewing. He did the same.

Then, he started to sew Teddy. He was careful not to prick his finger. Sarah looked at him, her faced filled with hope. "Ouch!", luckily his finger didn't bleed. A moment later, the needle poked him again. This time little red liquid oozed out. He quickly put the finger into his mouth.  At last, after a couple more of needle poking, he managed to get it done. It's not as pretty as what his wife might done, but at least he tried his best. 

"Daddy, thanks. Your teddy's doctor", Sarah said sweetly. Pearly glister no longer on her cheek. He can still remember clearly his promise he made to his wife on her last days breathing the same air as him. He said, " I'll do anything for my little princess". He kissed her on the forehead, Sarah kissed his cheek. Giggling. 

"Come, lets eat dinner with teddy". He walked hand in hand with Sarah towards the kitchen. Sarah hopped along singing Twinkle Little Star with teddy on her left hand, bobbing around. 

***

Sarah changed his diaper swiftly, without any hint on her face which says she hates the duty of catering her now unable-to-walk father. It's been a year since he last stepped on his feet. If he didn't sit in living room watching TV on his wheelchair, he would sit on his bed, often accompanied by his grandchildren playing and chatting lively with him. 

As he watch her removed gloves from her hands, he feels tears start to form on the corner of his eyes. "Sarah," his voice rasp. He wonder if he's being a burden to her. Sarah look at his father. Their eyes meet. "Thank you", he whisper softly and closes his eyes. When he open them again, he can see Sarah still looking at him, her eyes teary as well. Then she smile, the most soothing smile he ever see, just like her mother's. She bend over and whisper to his father ears. 

"Daddy, i'll do anything my father, just as you did for this little princess of yours".   

Xoxo,

Bie