He bought me a unicorn. I said it was a stupid horse, but he showed me the horn and all. Said only those who believe can see it. Then he kneeled down and said something like sorry, but I was too busy feeding it magic dust.
One day, when I heard shouting and banging, daddy told me him and mummy were catching a leprechaun. Said they don’t like to share their pots of gold. His eyes were round when he said this – round like big fat coins.
Then, one night when mummy wasn’t here, I found daddy with a mermaid. Her body was all sparkly. She wobbled when she walked. Daddy got mad. Said I spoiled all the fun. Said she was meant to be a surprise. At that, the mermaid giggled. Blew me a kiss. Daddy put a finger to his lips. Said, don’t tell your mum.
But I did. And that’s when the dragon came. I didn’t see it, but I heard it, roaring so loud behind the kitchen door. I screamed and screamed.
Now, I don’t know where daddy’s gone. When I ask mummy, she looks lost in some faraway land. Stroking my hair, she says he’s out there, searching for fairies and pixies and imps, and other mystical creatures.
Saturday, 18 June 2022
'When Daddy Last Came Home' by James Montgomery
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Oh I love this!
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