Ella was afraid to open her eyes, afraid it was all a dream.
She slid her hand across soft sheets. Her fingers curled around a fuzzy thing that felt a lot like her favorite stuffed unicorn.
Please, God. Please let it be real.
She peeked one eye open and saw her own pale green walls, the white bookshelf with all her favorite books, the toy box filled with dolls and dress-up clothes.
It was true. She really was home.
Ella sat up. Even though it was morning, the sun shining outside, the birds singing, her daddy was fast asleep on the floor by her bed, curled up under a tiny blanket, his long legs sticking out.
Her eyes got all full of tears seeing him there, even though she was so, so happy to be home.
She climbed out of bed, yanked her comforter behind her, and laid it over him. Then, she crawled underneath and tucked herself right up next to him.
His strong arm came over her and pulled her close. He kissed the top of her head, and she smiled and closed her eyes. Thank You, thank You, thank You, God, for bringing me home.