
Keeping the Sorrow at Bay
” Mandy dove into dark-blue midnight and swam with the stars!”
Daddy finished with a flourish. A new bedtime story for his darling daughter.
The real Mandy was full of questions. “Is midnight like the ocean?”
“Absolutely. Humongous, deep, dark and magical.”
“Can I stay up till midnight and see?”
“Hmmm …” Daddy put on his Wise Old Owl face and pretended to ponder.
But Mandy and Teddy fell asleep before he could answer.
Daddy pressed “Stop” and the room became silent and empty again.
He returned the audio file to the “Remembering Mandy at Four” folder and quietly quenched the light.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThe special magic of bedtime stories and the beauty of a father-daughter relationship has an unexpected twist. Thanks to the author for leaving so much unsaid, so the reader can relate to the sorrow on his/her own terms.

So the real Mandy had passed away? Yet the father still reads to her. Sweet and sad!
Hello Margarida – Thanks for your comment and for reading my story. Mandy may not have died, she may have just grown up and left home, as children do. The father misses his little girl, but happily he recorded their bedtime story sessions and can hear them anytime.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThis is a lovely, touching story, Juma. Beautifully told with the unexpected finish. Very powerful!
Thank you, Preston. I think the bond between a father and daughter is very special.
Oh Juma, what a sad and touching story. This one really tugged at my heartstrings. Well done, very nicely done!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI’m so glad my story touched you, Emily. Our babies grow up so fast – we just want them to stay little forever!
So lovely and moving, Juma. Well done.
Thank you, Lotchie. I always appreciate your sweet comments.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThis is a beautiful and touching story, Juma. It deserves a 5-star rating.
Wow, Thompson, what a nice compliment! Thank you.
A story that truly touches the heart, Juma. The ending so heart-wrenching. An emotional read and one that will stay with me.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHello Linda. I think the fact that a story stays with a reader is one of the best compliments you can give. I appreciate your feedback so much!