better do it, he said, or he would get put in the
doghouse.
"'Do you want me to sleep in the doghouse?' he
asked me.
"Of course. I shook my head, my face frill of
terror at just the thought of my getting him into
trouble, and he laughed and looked at me with the
softest face I have ever seen him have, even softer
than when he looks at you. Yes, much softer," she
happily concluded with firm nods.
I couldn't speak. Her face was so close to mine
now that she frightened me and I was afraid of
interrupting. I could see the tiny freckles under her
eyelids and a light, small birthmark otherwise hidden
under a corner of her nostril.
"Come along." he said and he reached out for
me. His hand is so big, isn't it? My hand looked
swallowed up when he closed his around it. I couldn't
see my fingers.
"'I can't see my fingers. Daddy,' I said and he
laughed and said. 'Let's see if they're still there.' "He opened his hand and touched my palm with
his long, thick left finger and said. 'There they are.' "I laughed and Daddy smiled at me and then he
surprised me by pulling me closer and lifting me up as
if I was made of air.
''Here you go.' he said. 'Upstairs to bed and
don't go near Megan. She's got the measles and you
will certainly catch them,' he warned,
"He carried me all the way up to my room and
lowered me to my bed and then he caressed my face
and ran his hand over my shoulders and down my