Maggie had gotten her first A in class and her teacher had put a gold star on her notebook. She was very excited. Everyone in the class had looked at her and the teacher had said that she was ever so proud of her. The thought made Maggie’s eyes sparkle – she had worked very hard for the star.

It was 6 O’clock in the evening and Maggie was waiting for daddy to come home. Daddy usually came home by 6:30 PM and made dinner for her. He had promised to make her favorite dish, mashed potatoes with gravy, if she got a star at school.

Usually, they just had bread and milk at dinner and anything else would be quite a treat. Maggie remembered the times when they used to have proper meals at the table. But that was when her mother was alive. Her mother used to make the most wonderful meals and all three of them used to sit together and enjoy them.

It was already 7 PM now. Daddy was late today. He never came home that late. Maggie wondered if he knew that she had gotten a star at school. Maybe he knew and was working later than usual so that they could have something nicer than bread and milk. The thought didn’t last long and Maggie became worried.

Daddy had told her that if he was ever late, she should take the yellow envelope to the nearby police station. She was supposed to give the letter to the police. But she didn’t want to do that. Maybe daddy would be home soon and then they could have mashed potatoes and gravy. After all, there was no harm in waiting a bit more.

It was very late now and daddy still wasn’t home. Maggie knew that she should go to the police now after all she had promised. Clutching the envelope Maggie walked to the police station. There were many policemen there. But her father had asked her to go to the scariest looking one. There was the fat one whose buttons looked like they would pop at any moment. There was a scary looking one with the huge mustache. Another policeman looked as if he could be someone’s grandfather.

Then Maggie noticed the one daddy wanted her to go to come in. He was very tall and had lots of scars on his face. He even had a scary looking mustache that covered most of his cheeks. His nose was crooked and seemed to be broken. She timidly approached him.

“M… Mister Policeman?” asked Maggie. The policeman looked down at her kindly and nodded for her to go on.

“My daddy hasn’t come home yet.” She started haltingly.

The policeman nodded and asked, “What is your name?”

“Mag… Maggie Brunst”

“Now Miss Maggie, what is your father’s name? And what does he do?”

“My daddy’s name is Frank Brunst and he goes to work.”

For a moment, it looked as if Mr. Policeman was looking for something to say. Eventually he asked, “Can you tell me who bought you to the police station today?”

“Daddy always says that if he doesn’t come home I should come to the police station and give you this letter.” She watched as Mr. Policeman read the letter with a frown. But before he could finish reading the letter, the door burst open and her daddy came rushing in. Maggie had felt as if a big worry had disappeared and she could breathe better now.

“Maggie! Oh dear! I am so sorry. Mr. Smith, thank you for looking after my daughter. There was a surprise audio at work and I had to stay back until it was over. They wouldn’t even let me ask someone to get Maggie.”

“It’s all right Mr. Brunst. She is a brave little girl and it was clever of you to write all about yourself and your work in a letter. But you shouldn’t leave a child at home alone for so long.”

Maggie saw his father’s face fall – he looked sad. “I don’t have any other choice. I am knee deep in debts and she is all I have left. I can’t afford to…”

“I understand Mr. Brunst. Let me see what I can do – I know of an old lady who could use cheering up. Maybe Maggie could stay there after school.” Maggie saw her daddy cheer up a bit and nod vigorously, “That would be great. But can she be trusted?”

Maggie saw Mr. Policeman writing down something. “I will regularly check up on them. Tell you what, I will run a background check on the lady and will get in touch with you if I find her suitable. Otherwise, I will see if I find something else. How does that sound?”

Daddy looked really grateful. “Thank you Mr. Smith. I really appreciate it. I don’t know how I will be able to repay your kindness.”

“It’s all right Mr. Brunst. Remember, I am only doing this for your daughter… not you.” Daddy had laughed at that.

When they went home, daddy had hugged her. He had told her how worried he had been. He had also praised her for going to the police station. She had felt very nice about it. Since it was very late, daddy had even made her drink two glasses of milk instead of one.

Later that night, after Maggie was in bed, she realized that she had forgotten to tell daddy about her star and they hadn’t had mashed potatoes and gravy after all.

Want to comment on this Short Stories? Sign up to Edit Red and you will be able to comment on Short Stories and get access to: Upload your own stories and poems, get readers and their feedback, promote your work...