“Reyna it’s past bedtime you gotta go to bed sweetie.”

“Dad, I need a bedtime story though!! It’s hard to sleep without!”

“Ok, but just this once, now tuck into bed.”

Reyna ducked her head under the covers.

“Do you know when mom’s coming back?”

“She’ll come soon.”

“Dad”

My eyes drifted to hers as her arms wrapped around me. She forms the words

“I love you”

My eyes tear up as I cuddle her in my arms,

“I love you too, Reyna.”

We stay there for a minute before I let go, and softly put her in the bed. I tell her a short bedtime story and her eyes close as she lays there, innocently.

I kiss her forehead

“Sweet dreams Reyna”