It is late at night and you are asleep on my lap. I should put you to bed, but right at this moment I simply cannot countenance the thought of having you even a room or two away. You see, I almost lost you today. I almost left you forever without even a chance to say goodbye.

The circumstances of my near demise are not important. Suffice it to say that I was almost the victim of an utterly pedestrian accident. You may have noticed, even at the tender age of not-quite-four, that Daddy very rarely goes on missions with the other X-Men. I used to, but since I adopted you my responsibility to my little girl has precluded my involvement in any potentially fatal fracas. To put it more simply, I cannot and will not take risks with my life when you need me.

It was brought home to me today, however, that this does not mean that I will not be attacked by angry mobs, inadvertently involved in random shootings, or hit by buses. So I am writing this, a letter I hope you will never read, in order that nothing may remain unsaid, should my time come too soon.

I love you, Sunshine. From that very first night when Remy brought you home, you have been the center of my world and the light of my life. You may not be my flesh and blood, but you could not be dearer to me if you were. No matter what happens, you were, are, and always will be my little girl.

I remember the very first word you said (Hi), and your very first steps (across the den and into my arms). I remember the first time you dressed yourself, and the first time you sat in a 'big girl chair'. It seemed as though every day there was some new miracle to be hoarded and gloated over, like a miser with his gold. But you are much more precious than gold could ever be.

The first time I left you for a whole day, as I recall, you threw a huge tantrum, after which Bobby took you out and fed you processed sugar and deep fried fat for breakfast. Honestly? I think I was more traumatized by the whole affair than you were. All I could think about that day was you. How much you need me. How much you depend on me to be there for you.

Oh, I know that you have a dozen loving uncles and aunties, who would never, ever let any harm come to you, but I'm your Daddy. I'm the one you always used to stop crying for when you were a baby. I'm the one you come to when you have problems. The point of all this being that Siku, I promise, no matter what happens, I will still be here for you. You might not be able to see or hear me, but I'll be there.

I am so proud of you. Ever since you were a baby you've always gone for whatever you wanted with both hands. I hope and pray that that courage and determination will see you well through life, that you will find your dreams and follow them, wherever they may lead. Sunshine, don't ever, ever, let anyone tell you that because you are female, or a mutant, or anything else, you can't do something you want to. Always remember that Daddy believes in you.

Never let anyone put you down because you're a mutant. If they call you a freak, or a mutie, or any other bad name, then they're wrong. You are the most adorable thing I have ever seen, and everyone who knows you, loves you. There is nothing wrong with being different, and anyone who claims there is is only trying to deflect attention from themselves to you because they feel insecure.

I hope that you never have to read all this advice because I am still there with you to give it to you personally, but if you do, I hope it helps. Because in all my life, the most important thing hasn't been being an X-Man or an Avenger, or even a doctor or a researcher. It's being your Daddy.

Please find included in this letter:

-A plentiful supply of hugs and kisses, to be used as needed

-A generous serving of pride in your accomplishments

-A bountiful portion of laughter, again as required

-A measure of caution (not that you will use it, but I can hope)

-All my love

I'm going to go tuck you in now, and just watch you sleep for a while. Uncle Logan or Uncle Remy will probably wander past and remind me to go to bed eventually, but for now, I have you all to myself.

Sweet Dreams, Sunshine.

Love,

Daddy