A Stalker in the Dark

She came running to me when I reached home. She put her arms around me and hugged me tight. I returned the favour, a bit of a smile creeping in on my face. I loosened her grasp and looked into her tear stained face.

Her face looked troubled. I gently wiped her tears away and smiled at her.

'Daddy's here now. Don't you worry a teensie weensie bit. Ok?' I consoled her.

She nodded but didn't look utterly convinced.

'Daddy, he was there. Again! In the park. He was stalking me, daddy. He kept on smiling and licking his lips,' she shivered. I didn't say anything just looked at her.

'He had this big and long knife. He's going to kill me, daddy. He..he..he's going to kill me,' she whimpered.

'Sshh..doll, I told you that daddy will make it all go away. I won't let the bad guy hurt you! Ever! Ok?' I consoled her.

'You said that the last time and the time before that. But he is still following me. Don't lie to me, daddy. Don't!' she said with dismay.

I held her by the arms and looked straight into her eyes.

'I am not lying, love,' I said. 'I know that he was stalking you. Because I was stalking him. And he was not the only one with the big, long knife. Mine was bigger and longer! Trust me. He won't stalk anyone anymore again. Ever!'

She looked at me awe struck, comprehension slowly flooding her face and at last she smiled.