A parent's worry

"You have some explaining to do, young lady." A stern voice said while a face reflected the blue light of the wisp that followed Braelyn at her shoulder.

"Dad!" Braelyn nearly shouted when she heard him, the relief she felt at hearing the note of concern in his voice had her running to him to throw one arm around him while keeping the other firmly around the animal that had been resting in her arms.

"What's this? Acting all innocent isn't going to get you out of trouble you know." He said trying to hide the happiness he felt at having his daughter run to hug him like that. "Do you have any idea how late it is, how worried your mother and I have been?" He tried scolding her, but he had always been a big softie when it came to any of his kids.

"Daddy I'm so sorry." She said crying into his chest.