Fanni Farkas
The man was walking home after a long day of work. When he got home his wife and his daughter hugged him. They started asking about his day; he didn’t say much, which was weird, because he was usually a very talkative guy. The family ate dinner together, and then the parents read a story to their daughter, Tiffany. After they put Tiffany to sleep they went to their room, and as they were lying in bed, the father let out a big sigh.
“What’s wrong? You’ve been very quiet ever since you came home,” said Sarah.
“I have to tell you something. I got bad news today at work. My boss told me that I have to go away for six months to Morocco. I don’t know what I have to do yet, but I will be leaving you and Tiffany behind.”
“Oh no. I…uhm… is there any chance that you could stay?” said Sarah, trying to hold back her tears.
“No, I’m sorry, darling.”
The next day Marlo had a day off because it was Saturday, but unfortunately Sarah had to go to work, so she told his husband to take care of Tiffany while she was away. Tiffany had just woken up; she went to the kitchen to eat breakfast. She sat down at the table across from her father, who was reading the newspaper, but when he saw Tiffany he put it down.
“So Tiffie, today we are going to do whatever you want to do. What do you think about that?” Marlo leaned forward.
“Awesome! Can I have waffles for breakfast?”
“Anything for you, pumpkin,” he smiled.
After breakfast they decided to go to the field near their house. They played for a while, and when they got tired they lay down on the grass, laughing.
“Awh man, there are so many clouds covering up the sun!” said Marlo.
“But look daddy! That cloud is the shape of a dragon vomiting candy!” Tiffany pointed up to the sky
“What? Candy? Dragons don’t vomit candy.”
“Yes they do! You just never seen one before!”
“Why, you have?” the father asked, surprised.
“Yes, in my dreams,” the little girl shrugged.
“Hey, I have to say something, so daddy will be leaving soon for a few months, but don’t worry, I will always call!” said Marlo.
“Oh I’m gonna miss you,” said Tiffany sadly. She hugged her dad. “Months are a long time.”
“They are.” Marlo hugged his daughter too. “They are.”
Weeks later the time came to say goodbye to Marlo. It was an emotional goodbye. Sarah’s and Marlo’s eyes were tearing up, but Tiffany was very serious and silent the whole time. When she gave a last hug to her dad, Marlo said: “Don’t worry, Tiffie, I will be back soon. “ The little girl started crying. “Listen it could be worse than this, but thank God it isn’t!”
“I guess.” Tiffany shrugged. Marlo took a last look at the house and his family, then walked out the door with his bags.