Here is a very short story that I really like ;
My Favorite Shirt
"No!" my daughter whined. "I don't want to!"
"C'mon Victoria," I crooned with arms outstretched, "just one hug."
"No!" she said, and shook her head wildly.
I knew it was a phase, but it still hurt. She used to hug me. I guess I took that for granted, never thinking it would stop---my only real intimacy with her.
"Maybe she doesn't feel good," my wife offered.
I shook my head, more irritated than comforted.
The next morning I was awakened with the announcement, "Victoria threw up in her bed." We both knew who was going to stay home---my wife had an early meeting.
Even if she refused to hug me, I still enjoyed being with my daughter. I spent the morning reading her stories, listening to the stereo, and flipping through a picture book while she played with dolls. Around noon, she became antsy.
"Daddy, my stomach hurts," she finally said.
I picked her up. When her head touched my shirt, I heard a horrible retching. Turning to the side, I saw yellow ooze rolling off my shoulder. Hustling into the bathroom, I leaned over the counter as Victoria threw up again. This time, I let it roll down my sleeve and into the sink.
"It's okay, honey. I have you," I whispered, swallowing against tears of my own.
"I wrecked your shirt, Daddy," Victoria sniffed.
"Oh, it'll wash off," I told her. She barfed again.
But I was wrong. I still wore the shirt for years afterward but the stain never came out.
Copyright ©2003 M. Stanley Bubien. All Rights Reserved
Yes a good site for some free e-books, but you can get a better range of classics through this website - see the PC Learning page ! 