The First Day

Giles looked down at the small hand in his and shook his head in wonder. How had he possibly been so damn  lucky? He knew he didn't deserve her, but she was  his. For as long as he lived, she was his. No matter  what else happened in the world he would always be  there for her. And as long as he had breath she would  have him.

He squeezed her hand in a gesture of calm reassurance,  as much for his benefit as hers. She turned and smiled  up at him. As it always was, the love in her green eyes, the trust in him was humbling.

He smiled back, hoping she knew just how much he loved  her. The depth of his feelings constantly surprised  him. Just when he thought he couldn't possibly love  her more, she smiled or laughed or cried and he felt  his heart grow fuller.

He knew she was frightened, but trying not to show it.  For his sake. She knew he worried about her. Too much,  but it couldn't be helped. Every moment she wasn't at  his side he wondered where she was. Was she happy? Was  she sad? Did she need him? He always needed her.

Together they made their way up the stairs and stopped  in front of the doorway to the future. Their lives would  change forever once she crossed the threshold.

She looked at their joined hands, her chin trembling  for the briefest moment before she found some well  of strength and smiled up at him again.

He leaned down and tenderly kissed her forehead. "I  love you."

"Love you too, Daddy," she said, then quickly disappeared  behind the huge doors.

Giles heaved a deep sigh and felt his chest tighten.

The first day of kindergarten was always hard.

The End