Robert J.

Caldera Word count: 1,236

robjcaldera@gmail.com
















ONE KISSBECAUSE I LOVE YOU


Intended to be a Picture Book Story


By Robert J. Caldera

Robert J. Caldera / One KissBecause I Love You / p. 1


"Daddy, are you staying home tomorrow?" asked Amanda with hopeful glee.

No, baby girl. Today is Sunday. Tomorrow is Monday and that means I will be at work," he
replied as he tucked her into bed.

"Will I see you before you leave for work?" asked Amanda, worried that she would be
disappointed.

"Perhaps," said Daddy, "But whether you are still sleeping or awake, I will give you a big kiss
before I leave because I love you."

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The next morning, Daddy stepped into Amandas room as she stretched and yawned while still in
bed.

"Good morning, sweetie pie! Its Monday morning and time for me to leave for work, but as I
promised, heres that one big kiss because I love you."

Daddy bent down, kissing her on the forehead. She smiled from ear to ear.

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Robert J. Caldera / One KissBecause I Love You / p. 2

That night, as her father slid her pajama top over her head, Amanda asked, Daddy, Monday is
over. Does this mean tomorrow you will stay home?

"No, my angel. Tomorrow is Tuesday and Daddy must go to work again. However, since I miss
you when Im at work I will give you an extra kiss in the morning before I leave."

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Tuesday morning arrived. Amanda began to stir from her sleep, her eyes only half open, when
she felt a gentle kiss upon her forehead and the voice of her father quietly saying:

Thats one kiss because I love you and heres one kiss because I will miss you.

And then he kissed her a second time.

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That evening, as Amanda played with her mother and father, she turned to Daddy and asked,

If today is Tuesday, what day comes next?

"Tomorrow is Wednesday, he answered, knowing what question would follow.
Robert J. Caldera / One KissBecause I Love You / p. 3

Will you be home then?

Sorry pumpkin, but I will be at work again."

"Again? she shouted. But will you still kiss me before you leave?"

Of course! Daddy remarked. "And so you dont miss me when I'm at work, Ill leave you with
a third kiss in the morning to last until I come home."

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Early Wednesday morning, as Amanda dreamt of fairies and mermaids, her father stopped in her
room before leaving for work. While giving her the three kisses he promised, he whispered
before each one,

Heres one kissbecause I love you. One kissbecause I miss you. And one kiss, until I see
you again.

Just as he turned to walk away, he thought he caught a glimmer of a smile on the sleeping girls
face.

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Robert J. Caldera / One KissBecause I Love You / p. 4

Daddy, are you home tomorrow? interrupted Amanda, while her father sang her a lullaby in
the glow of a nightlight.

Today is only Wednesday, he whispered. Tomorrow is Thursday and that is still a work day
for me.

Disappointed, Amanda jumped up and hugged him.

Dont forget to give me my goodbye kisses! she reminded him.

I wont forget sweetie pie, Daddy pledged. And I will give you a big hug like this too.

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On Thursday morning, Amanda awoke earlier than usual. Immediately, it dawned on her that
she didnt recall getting her usual morning kisses. Thinking that her daddy forgot, she jumped
out of bed and scampered down the stairs to find him with his jacket on and briefcase in hand.

Baby girl! Daddy exclaimed. I was just about to come and say goodbye.


Robert J. Caldera / One KissBecause I Love You / p. 5
With that, he knelt down, kissed her on the forehead, and began, One kissbecause I love you.
One kissbecause I miss you. One kissuntil I see you again. And one big hug because I love
you!

Whew! Amanda thought to herself as her father turned to leave. That was a close one!

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That night, as they sat down to read a story, the father knew what question he would soon hear
from his little girl. Before she could ask, he said,

Sweetie, since today is Thursday, tomorrow will be Friday and Im sorry to say that it is another
work day for me.

But before she had a chance to get sad, he added, I will still miss you on Friday as much as the
other days when Im at work, so I will give you a second hug tomorrow morning before I leave.

Amanda couldnt wait to get to bed.

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Robert J. Caldera / One KissBecause I Love You / p. 6
Friday morning, Amanda sat at the kitchen table eating her favorite cereal, as her father rushed
to get ready for work. Running late, he darted past her towards the door, but out of the corner of
his eye he noticed a frown develop on his daughters milk-moustache face. Although he knew he
might miss his train, he doubled back, and wrapped his arms around her. Hugging and kissing
her, he spoke as fast as he could, saying

One kissbecause I love.
One kissbecause I miss you.
One kissuntil I see you again.
One hugbecause I love you.
... and one hug because I miss you!

Then he flew out the door.

Silly Daddy! Amanda said, as she began to chuckle.

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Nighttime rolled around again and Daddy was tucking Amanda into bed.

Guess what, he said. Since today is Friday, tomorrow is Saturday the last day of the week
and on Saturdays, Daddy doesnt work!

Robert J. Caldera / One KissBecause I Love You / p. 7
Really, its finally here? said Amanda, her eyes widening with excitement. I cant wait to play
with you tomorrow, Daddy! Pausing, she crinkled her brow to put on a serious face, and slowly
said, This was a very long, long week.

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Saturday morning arrived and the weekend had begun.

When Amanda woke up, she bolted downstairs to the kitchen where she found her mom
preparing breakfast.

Good morning, Mommy. Wheres my daddy? she asked, peering around her mother to see if
her father was in the next room.

Good morning, Chickie. We are out of milk, so Daddy ran to the store. He will be back very
soon. However, he knew you would probably wake up while he was gone, so he wanted me to
give you something.

Mommy got down on one knee and pulled Amanda towards her.

Lets see if I can remember this, she said and began the fathers routine.

One kissbecause I love.
Robert J. Caldera / One KissBecause I Love You / p. 8
One kissbecause I miss you.
One kissuntil I see you again.
One hugbecause I love you.
One hugbecause I miss you and...
One hug...until I see you again!

Pleasantly surprised, Amanda hugged her mommy and told her she loved her.

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As the weekend came to an end, with Sunday drawing to a close, Daddy helped Amanda get
washed up from a long day of playing.

Daddy, I had so much fun with you today. Are you home again tomorrow? she inquired.

Well, today is Sunday, which means a brand new week has started. Do you remember what day
tomorrow is?

Realizing what this meant, she hesitantly responded, Monday?

Very good! Tomorrow is Monday, the first day after the weekend, and with it I must return to
work.

Robert J. Caldera / One KissBecause I Love You / p. 9
Oh, okay, Amanda pouted. But before you leave for work tomorrow.....dont forget!

Dont forget what? he asked, pretending not to know what she was referring to.

You know, she answered, with an innocent smirk on her face.

Smiling, Daddy replied, Dont you worry. Ill never forget to give my sweetie pie a daily dose
of hugs and kisses each morning!

You know what, Daddy? she said with a coy smile.

What, sweetie? he asked in return, genuinely wondering what she wanted this time.

I love you.

And this time, it was Daddys smile that went from ear to ear.

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