**Kierra**A cry broke through the darkness and roused me awake.“Kiyah,” I mumbled, wiping the sleep from my eyes as I stumbled out of bed. I edged towards her bedroom, still sluggish from sleep. I shook it off altogether when her cries grew louder and sounded more distressed.“Daddy!”I flipped the light on, illuminating my daughter’s trembling form. She looked up at me with eyes full of tears. The sobbing came out in full force, stronger than before. She lifted her hands, and I took her into my arms.“Mommy, I want Daddy.”“I know, baby,” I whispered, holding her tight to my chest. “I’m so sorry, Ki,” I apologized as I paced her bedroom. The day and night had been eventful—missing kids, a beatdown, and a grieving toddler.I’m spent.Kiyah’s crying didn’t subside, and I feared she’d wake everyone in the house. I had to do something.“Hey, Ki. Do you want to take a ride on Daddy’s bike?”It took a couple of seconds for her to choke out her response. “Y-yes.”“Okay. Let’s get dressed.
Last Updated : 2025-09-04 Read more