I run up the stairs and slam the door shut as I hear Daddy racing up the stairs again. 'It's alright Emma, Daddy just wants to show you his surprise! Don't run! Emma!'ĭaddy's grip gets tighter and tighter, it began to hurt and I cry out again - Daddy's eyes grow wide and he lets me go, as if he is frightened.

I jump as Daddy calls me over to the table, I don't want to go and I begin to back away - Daddy gets annoyed and turns around, his eyes are angry and I run back up the stairs: Daddy runs after me and I cry out, he lifts me up and holds me close, whispering in my ear:

My name is Emma and I am six years old, today Daddy is going to show me his secret room - he says I've been a good girl and I'm old enough to help him with his work: I'm so happy! Daddy is always so quiet and he never lets me in his secret room.ĭaddy is waiting for me as I come down the stairs, I put on my best dress just as Daddy asked me to and he smiles at me - I smile back and try not to bounce too much: this is going to be so much fun!ĭaddy turns away and motions for me to follow as he opens the door, turning on a light as he goes down a flight of stairs - it is still rather dark down there and I stop for the first time, a little unsure.ĭaddy doesn't like that, his smile fades and he gives me a look that makes me scared - he asks me what's wrong: I don't want Daddy to be upset so I say nothing and come down the stairs, trying not to jump as the door closes behind me, it smells funny down here.ĭaddy turns away again and stands over a table, I look around and see the walls are covered in old newspapers and someone had drawn lots of smiley faces in crayon - looking up I see my old dolls hanging by string: Daddy had taken them away when I was very little, saying big girls don't play with dolls - their dresses were removed and someone had burned off their hair, I tried not to stare too long as they swayed back and forth.

Daddy's Secret Angel by Cassi Hart