The Solider

The Soldier

As I look out the bus window, all I can think about is Victoria, my baby girl. I wasn't there for her birth, or the death of her mother. Maybe now things will change, I want to be there for my child, I want to watch her grow.

As the bus stops I get up and head up the aisle, pondering over what I’m going to do. How do I tell my daughter where I've been? How do I show her I care? I've never been a good father, I don’t know what to do... I can’t wait!

I get my bags and walk to my house. Walking in I see Katie and a beautiful little girl, with red hair and blue eyes. “Welcome home daddy!” Victoria shouts. She runs to me and hugs me; 'Wow, my baby girl!' is all I’m thinking. I lean down, pick her up, and put her on my shoulder. ”Daddy I’ve waited so long! Aunt Katie said you where protecting me and other people. Is that right daddy?” Hearing this brought tears to my eyes, as I thought of the last time I saw her mother. She looks just like her and I can hear her vivid voice, “You’re going to protect me & other people, I love you.”

“That’s right, I was baby.” I realized that I never said anything back. “I’m glad you're back daddy! I have something for you!” as I watch her pick up a photo off a table. It was a drawing of me and her standing beside a house. I ask “Where is mommy?”. “Looking down at us, she protected you daddy. She looks down on us every day.” This made me so proud I started crying. “You're right baby, Mommy’s looking down on us, and I know she’s smiling right now.”