The morning sun peeked through the curtains as little Bibi sat cross-legged on the living room rug, her teddy bear Mr. Sprinkles tucked firmly under one arm. She was unusually quiet for a Saturday morning. Normally, she’d be giggling or playing make-believe, turning the house into a magical jungle or a pirate ship. But today was different. Today, her daddy was going away on a business trip.
Daddy had told her the night before, during their bedtime story. He had sat on the edge of her bed, voice calm but eyes a little sad.
“Bibi,” he said gently, “I have to go away for a few days. It’s for work, but I’ll call you every day and be back before you know it.”
Bibi had nodded bravely, her wide eyes studying his face. “Can Mr. Sprinkles and I come too?”
Daddy chuckled. “I wish you could, sweetheart. But this time, I have to go alone. I’ll bring you something special when I get back, okay?”
Now, Bibi watched Daddy zip up his big suitcase. She shuffled over to him, dragging Mr. Sprinkles behind her.
“Do you really have to go?” she asked softly, her bottom lip trembling just a little.
Daddy crouched down to her level and opened his arms. She walked into the hug, burying her face in his shoulder.
“I do, sweet pea. But it’s only for four days. Just Monday to Thursday. And then I’ll be back for our Friday pizza night!”
Bibi sniffled. “Can we have extra cheese when you come back?”
“The cheesiest,” he promised.
She smiled at that, wiping her nose on Mr. Sprinkles’ ear.
Mom came in from the kitchen with a small bag of snacks and a reusable water bottle. “I packed you some trail mix and those granola bars you like,” she said to Daddy, then turned to Bibi. “Want to help Daddy carry his laptop bag to the car?”
Bibi nodded solemnly and picked it up with both hands. It was a little heavy, but she was determined to help. She waddled to the front door, where Daddy’s shoes were already lined up.
Outside, the morning air was crisp and fresh. The car was waiting in the driveway, its trunk open. Daddy loaded his suitcase, then knelt once more to face Bibi.
“I’m going to miss you so much,” he said.
Bibi didn’t say anything for a second. Then she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small, crumpled piece of paper. It was a drawing she had made—a picture of their family, all holding hands, with a big yellow sun in the sky.
“This is for you,” she whispered. “So you don’t forget me while you’re gone.”
Daddy’s eyes softened. He took the drawing carefully and folded it into his wallet.
“I’ll keep it with me the whole time,” he said. “Every time I miss you, I’ll look at it.”
That made Bibi smile a little.
Just then, a taxi pulled up. Daddy gave Mom a quick kiss and opened the back door.
Bibi stood still, gripping Mr. Sprinkles tightly.
“I love you, Daddy,” she called as he climbed inside.
“I love you too, Bibi!” he said. “More than all the stars in the sky!”
The door shut. The taxi rolled down the street, and Bibi watched it until it turned the corner and disappeared.
The first day without Daddy was strange. Bibi kept turning her head every time she heard a sound, half-hoping it was him coming back early. Mom tried to keep things normal—they made pancakes shaped like animals, went to the park, and even baked chocolate chip cookies. But Bibi kept one ear tuned to the front door.
That night, just before bed, the phone rang. Bibi leaped up from the couch.
“Daddy!” she squealed.
Mom put it on speaker, and there was Daddy’s voice, warm and happy.
“Hi, my little star!”
Bibi beamed. “Did you see the picture I drew yet?”
“I looked at it three times today,” Daddy said. “Once at breakfast, once at the airport, and once before my meeting.”
“Did it make you smile?”
“Biggest smile ever.”
They talked for a little while. Bibi told him about the pancakes and the park, and how Mr. Sprinkles missed him too.
“Tell Mr. Sprinkles I miss him right back,” Daddy said. “And tell him to take good care of you while I’m gone.”
The days passed slowly but surely. On Tuesday, Bibi and Mom made a paper chain with one link for every day Daddy was gone. Every morning, Bibi tore one off and counted how many were left. “Only two more links!” she announced on Wednesday morning.
That day, they had a tea party with all of Bibi’s stuffed animals. Mr. Sprinkles sat at the head of the table, wearing a bowtie made from a ribbon. “Daddy would like this,” Bibi said, sipping apple juice from her teacup.
On Thursday afternoon, just as Bibi was helping Mom fold laundry, the phone buzzed again.
“Guess what?” Daddy said, when Bibi answered.
“What?”
“I’m at the airport, waiting for my plane. I’ll be home tomorrow morning!”
Bibi squealed so loud that Mr. Sprinkles fell off the couch.
Friday morning arrived like a present wrapped in sunshine. Bibi bounced out of bed and ran to the window. She watched the driveway like a hawk, her pajamas still wrinkled, her hair a tangled mess of curls.
And then, finally, a car pulled up.
“HE’S HERE!” she shrieked.
She sprinted to the door, yanked it open, and flew down the front steps.
Daddy stepped out of the car with a big smile and open arms. Bibi leapt into them like a rocket.
“I missed you so much!” she cried.
“I missed you more!” Daddy replied, spinning her around.
They held each other tightly. Then Daddy reached into his bag and pulled out a small box wrapped in blue paper.
“For you,” he said. “A little something from my trip.”
Bibi unwrapped it carefully. Inside was a tiny snow globe with a miniature city inside, glitter swirling all around.
“It’s magic!” she whispered.
“Just like you,” Daddy said.
That night, as promised, they had pizza with extra cheese and cuddled up on the couch with a movie. Mr. Sprinkles sat proudly in Daddy’s lap, and Bibi snuggled close, her heart full.
Even though saying goodbye had been hard, Bibi had learned something very important: no matter how far Daddy traveled, love always found its way back home.
Let me know if you want a version with illustrations, dialogue formatting, or turned into a bedtime picture book!
