There and Back Again

There and Back Again
a Larkin family story

Dad loved stories.
He told them at the table.
He told them in the car.

Best of all, Dad loved a book about hobbits.
“Hobbits are small and brave,” said Dad.
“They live in cozy little homes.”

“There are goblins in dark caves,” said Dad.
“There are dragons on piles of gold!”
The children’s eyes went wide.

“I want to hear the whole story!” said Michael.
“Me too!” said Miriam.
So Dad had a big idea.

Dad bought a book for everyone.
One for each child. One for Mom. One for himself.
Seven beautiful books.

The books came in a big box.
They were tall and heavy and beautiful.
Each cover shone like treasure.

That night, everyone put on jammies.
They all snuggled close to Dad on the couch.
Mom watched from the kitchen and smiled.

“Open to the first page,” said Dad.
Everyone opened their books.
“Here we go,” said Dad.

“There and back again,” Dad read,
“by Bilbo Baggins.”
And then… nothing.

The children looked up.
Dad’s eyes were shut.
Dad was fast asleep!

“Dad had a long day,” said Mom.
“We will try again soon.”
So they tiptoed off to bed.

A few days later, they tried again.
Jammies on. Books open. Everyone ready.
“Here we go,” said Dad.

“There and back again,” Dad read,
“by Bilbo Baggins.”
And then… nothing.

Dad was asleep AGAIN!
The children giggled.
Even Mom giggled.

They tried on Monday. Dad fell asleep.
They tried on Saturday. Dad fell asleep.
Dad never got past Bilbo Baggins!

So the children found their own way.
Dominic read his book in a big soft chair.
Edith read hers up in a tree.

Benedict and Michael read with flashlights.
And little Miriam listened on Audible —
every goblin, every dragon, every bit of gold.

So the whole family went there… and back again.
Every single one of them.
And Dad? Dad had the very best sleep of all.
The End.