AChildsHeart
707 Words
**Title: A Child's Heart**
**Setting:** Veronica, their six-year-old daughter, is sitting on her bed with her favorite stuffed animal, a fluffy bunny named Mr. Hops. She can hear muffled voices coming from downstairs, her brows knitted in concern as she grips Mr. Hops tightly.
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**Veronica:** (whispering to Mr. Hops) “Why are Mommy and Daddy yelling? They sounded really upset. Did I do something wrong?”
**(She glances towards the door, her heart racing. The echoes of raised voices seep through the floorboards, making her feel small and scared.)**
**Veronica:** “I tried to be good at the party… but maybe I didn’t listen enough? Maybe they’re mad at me?”
**(Tears well up in her eyes as she recalls the Gatsby party. She remembers running around with her friends, laughing and having fun, but also the stern look her mother gave her when she didn’t come back quickly.)**
**Veronica:** (sniffing) “I just wanted to have fun like everyone else…”
**(She hugs Mr. Hops closer, seeking comfort from her beloved toy.)**
**Veronica:** “What if they don’t love me anymore because I didn’t behave? What if they don’t want me? What if…”
**(Her voice cracks, the weight of her emotions bubbling over.)**
**Veronica:** “I don’t want them to fight! I just want us to be happy like before.”
**(As she sits there, her imagination begins to wander, painting vivid scenarios in her mind.)**
**Veronica:** “Maybe if I did better, they wouldn’t be upset. I could clean my room and be extra nice. Maybe I can even bake cookies to say I’m sorry.”
**(She jumps off her bed with renewed determination, wiping her tears as she begins to feel a spark of hope.)**
**Veronica:** “I’ll make everything better! I’ll show them I can be good!”
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**(She tiptoes to the bedroom door and peeks out, listening intently to the voices below.)**
**Veronica:** (whispering to Mr. Hops) “Can you help me? We can make cookies together! They’ll love that.”
**(As she creeps down the hallway, every step feels heavy with concern, but her determination to mend the situation grows stronger.)**
**(The voices from downstairs grow clearer, and Veronica’s heart sinks again as she hears her name mentioned.)**
**Richard:** (angry) “It’s not just about the party, Grace! Veronica needs to learn to listen. She can't keep ignoring us and running wild!”
**Grace:** (frustrated) “She’s just a child, Richard! We need to guide her, not punish her. If we keep yelling, she’ll only feel scared and confused!”
**(Veronica’s eyes widen, her stomach knotting as she realizes they are arguing about her.)**
**Veronica:** (to herself) "I didn’t mean to make them upset… I just wanted to have fun."
**(Suddenly, she resolves to speak up, her small voice trembling yet filled with resolve.)**
**Veronica:** “Mommy! Daddy! I’m sorry!”
**(She rushes down the stairs, determined to bridge the gap between her parents. The sound of her small voice cuts through the tension in the room, bringing both Grace and Richard to a startled halt.)**
**Grace:** (kneeling down, her expression softening) “Veronica…”
**Richard:** (still frustrated but seeing his daughter, his voice quieting) “Honey, we didn’t know you were listening…”
**(Veronica, standing at the bottom of the stairs, feels an overwhelming mix of emotions, courage rising as she looks at her parents.)**
**Veronica:** “I just wanted to have fun… I didn’t mean to make you fight!”
**(The room falls silent as Grace and Richard share a glance, realizing the impact of their argument on their daughter.)**
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**(The chapter ends with Veronica standing between her parents, a sense of vulnerability and bravery in her small frame. The emotional turmoil she feels intertwines with her desire for love and understanding, setting the stage for an important family moment ahead.)**
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**Author's Note:**
Thank you for joining Veronica in this heartfelt moment of confusion and courage. Children often feel the weight of adult emotions, and their insights can sometimes reflect deeper family dynamics. It’s a reminder of the importance of communication and reassurance within a family.
Your thoughts and feedback are always welcome as we explore their intertwined journey!
Warm regards,
Sherene Opal Davids
- Writer
