I was trying to be patient, but this was getting frustrating.

"Kitten, I really am trying to give you your space, but something is bothering you and I'd like to help if I can," I said.

She nodded and I gave her a moment to collect her thoughts.

"Do you love me, Daddy?" she asked.

It was such an out of left field question that it caught me by surprise. I tell her I love her a dozen times a day. As tempting as it was to laugh, say of course I do and tell her she was silly, clearly something was bothering her.

"I do," I said. "I hope...