Seven

There were hundreds of tiny green army men everywhere. Standing in every military position dreamable. It must be an expression. She was feeling attacked, maybe.

“Why?” I asked her.

“Because I miss mum.”

“She’s not gone forever.”

“She forgot my birthday.”

“No, she didn’t! She’s really busy!”

Slowly, she moved each figurine an inch closer. They were on every ledge in her entire bedroom. One by one they moved closer. 

“They’re not firing on you!” I said.

“Why not?”

“Because they love you. They should be pointing their guns away.”

“I don’t want them to point away! I want them to see me!”

My wife - her mother - was in the military. She’s an army babe. Deployed for what feels like forever, even to me. I miss her too. But a father can not replace a mother nor any woman for very long. And although her mother is tough, she’s also tough love, and our daughter needs some of that right now. But not from me. She needs female guidance from a female guide.

“Why is there an elephant in the library?” I asked, referring to the dollhouse.

“That’s you! You big dumb idiot!”