“Well, hello there, that sure is a big smile for such a little girl.”
“Oh, hi Mister.”
“Are you here all alone?”
“Yes, I mean No, I’m waiting for someone.”
“Oh, really, someone like who?”
“Someone special, you wouldn’t know them. Are you waiting for someone, too? I don’t remember seeing you around here before.”
“I guess you could say I’m new. May I sit here with you while you wait?”
“I don’t mind.”
“This is an odd place for a little girl to wait for someone, wouldn’t you say? Aren’t you scared in this lonely place all by yourself?”
“Boy, you really aren’t from around here. There’s no reason to be afraid anymore, here or anywhere. And besides, here is where I was told to wait. So, here I am.”
“…in a cemetery? Why would a little girl, how old are you, wait in a cemetery?”
“I’m 9, and I told you already, here is where I’m supposed to wait.”
“I’ve got to see this Special Someone for myself, what do they look like?”
“They’re a him, and I don’t know exactly what he looks like…not exactly.”
“So, how in the world are you going to recognize him when you see him?”
“Oh, I’ll know him, you can be sure of that, Mister…I’ll know him alright.”
“Yeah and how’s that?”
“The Special Someone is my daddy. He was killed in a car accident when I was only 4. But, I’ve seen plenty of old pictures and Mama told me aaaaall about him.”
“Well, why don’t you tell me and I’ll help you look.”
“Well, first, he’s tall like a tree, and strong, too. But, he’s not scary strong, he’s gentle strong. Aw, you wouldn’t understand.”
“No, no, no, I think I get it. He’s strong enough to pick you up over his head like this, and not hurt you. And you’re not afraid he’ll drop you or let anything happen to you. Is that what you mean?”
“Yes, just like that, Mister. You can put me down now.”
“What else? Tell me more.”
“Well, he’s very handsome. Mama said he was a real looker, a man’s man, whatever that means.”
“Oh, so he looked like me?”
“No way, you’re pretty like a lady. He had wrinkles on his forehead and around his eyes. Mama said he had character.”
“Okay, so I don’t have character. Let’s say he doesn’t look the same as in the old pictures, would you still know him?”
“Of course, I would. Mama said he sang a song to me every night before I went to bed. I was very young, so after the accident Mama sang it to me, so I wouldn’t forget.”
“A song, huh? I know lots of songs, want to hear one? I can’t sing very well, but it’s a nice song.”
“Sure, Mister, I don’t mind. But, when my daddy comes, I have to go.”
“Okay, I’ll just sing part, here goes:
When eyes of blind ones see again,
and ears of deaf ones hear again,
When deserts blossom as the rose,
and from parched ground fresh water flows,
When songs of children fill the air,
When joy and peace are everywhere,
Then, too, you’ll see the dead arise
If you keep your eyes on the prize”
“That’s the song! Keep Your Eyes on the Prize! How do you know my daddy’s song?”
“That’s my favorite song. It a lot of people’s favorite. Are you sure you’re going to know your daddy?”
“Oh, yes! Just to make sure Mama gave me a secret password that only my daddy knows.”
“Oh yeah and what is that?”
“Yeah right Mister, you want me to give away the secret password, just like that? How old do you think I am, eight?”
“No, I wouldn’t dare ask you to tell me The Secret Password. I just meant what is it, the name of your puppy dog or something?”
“No, it’s my nickname, I mean, you know, his nickname for me.”
“Ah yes, a funny little name only your daddy called you, right?”
“Would you like to know what it is? You would never guess in a thousand years.”
“You mean you would actually tell me?”
“It can’t hurt now. Besides it’s the only thing about Daddy I remember.”
“Okay, shoot.”
“He called me Sweet Nothing, and you’ll never guess why.”
“…because you always had a smile on your face for no reason. You always had a great big smile for such a little girl. You were always happy, all the time. You didn’t even need a reason.”
“Daddy!”
“Sweet Nuthin’!”
