The Perfect Year

Drake Mallard stared at the small, red head on the pillow next to him. He watched Gosalyn breathe softly, in and out. It was 7am on a Saturday. Gosalyn was in his bed, as she’d had one of the “dreams” again. She’d radioed the Ratcatcher 6 hours ago, hysterical. That day at the top of the building with the Ram-rad had taken it’s toll on Gosalyn’s sub-concious, and the events had replayed in her sleep about once a fortnight ever since. He hoped the memory dulled with time. He’d gotten home in time to catch the end of one once. He’d seen her shrink back as if from an explosion, then she’d screamed “Dad! Dad!”. She hadn’t yet called him “Dad” to his face, but he glowed inside with the thought that she’d accepted him that way.
He hugrily devoured the sight of her, mently fileing her like this into his memory. Hair out, face peaceful, tiny body curled up against his. He sat up against the wall, and pulled her into his arms, cradeling and holding her like a baby. The nightmares came for him too. The worst moment of his life: seeing Gosalyn fall without him there to catch her. If it hadn’t been for Launchpad’s quick thinking, his little girl would be...it didn’t bear thinking about.
He wonderd idily if Launchpad ever dreamed about that night. Launchpad was still a mystery to him, as was Gosalyn really. He’d only known them for two months, but he knew that this was the way he always wanted it to be, misunderstandment forgotten in his heart. They were his family, and he loved them as best he could, not having had much practise.
“The stars can fade, and they can shine,” Drake crooned softly a song he’d heard long ago “Long as your face is turned to mine. Oh, I don’t need a crowded ballroom. Everything I need is here. If you’re with me, this year will be the perfect year.”
It would be the perfect year, he’d make sure of it.
Gosalyn stirred, and opened her eyes. She smiled when she saw Drake. She closed her eyes again, and snuggled into him. “Good morning Dad.” she mumbled as she went back to sleep.
Drake’s heart almost stopped. He hugged Gosalyn as hard as he could without waking her again, and he kissed the top of her head. “Good morning kiddo.” he whispered, feeling like the luckiest duck alive.
Maybe some other people were working towards that perfect year too.

Story Copyright Rachel Baker ‘98. Characters Copyright Disney, and used without permission.The song "The Perfect Year" Copyright Andrew Lloyd Webber, and used without permission.

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