Waiting

         I can't go in until Daddy comes to watch me.  What good is it having a pool if I can't ever go in it?  I am waiting and waiting and it is hot out here in the sun.  The water looks so cool and blue and pretty.  But I can't go in until he comes.  it's a rule.

         I have too many rules.  That butterfly doesn't have any rules.  It does whatever it wants.  I wish I was a butterfly.  I wish Daddy would come so I could go in the water.

         I want to sit on the edge and put my toes in the water but I'm not even allowed to do that.  What is he doing anyway?  Doesn't he know I'm waiting and waiting?

         Well here he comes at last.  Daddy,  Daddy, I waited so long can I go in now?  Can I?

         "I want to show you something first.  Look at this."

         He shows me his water color sketch book.  He made a painting.  Look!  It's me sitting by the pool waiting.  It's the first picture he made since he came back from the war.  It's me, and there's the butterfly, too!  Mommy said when he felt better he would paint again.  He says. "You looked so beautiful sitting there I had to make a picture.  There were times I thought I might not see you again.  I had to make a picture."

         He is smiling as if he is happy  like before he went away.  I am going to keep the picture forever. 

                The water feels so good, doesn't it. Daddy?


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