The evolution of Chapter 7 of my tenth Work in Progress continues.
Here is how it started.
7
Jake and Susie
I pushed the slightly ajar door to Susie’s bedroom open, just in time to see her hurriedly lay her head on the pillow; her eyes clamped tightly in pretend sleep, her eyebrows furrowed in concentration. I knew this game.
“Oh no,” I whispered loudly enough that she would hear me, trying to play along with her. “I missed my Susie’s goodnight kiss.”
She giggled in delight, opening her eyes. “No, you didn’t, Daddy. I fooled you.”
The next day, I added this—
“You sure did, Sweety.” I bent to sweep Susie’s hair away from her face, kissing her forehead. When I stood again, Susie’s eyes opened wide in wonder as I reached my full height.
“Daddy, when you were small like me, did your Daddy kiss you goodnight, too?”
Did he? Ever? My mom had, but I couldn’t remember my father ever doing it.
“Daddy? Your eyes look sad. I’m sorry. But I’m also happy that you are my Daddy.”
Memory is the Key 