ZNN SHORT STORY: EVERY UNIVERSE

Part 2 || The Vampire's Slave: We meet again, Little Nhu

After 15 years  ...

Nunew walked towards the kitchen as soon as he finished showering. The 7-year-old Nunew was happy as soon as he saw that there was a lot of food on the table in the kitchen. Without wasting time, he then sat on the chair at the dining table.
Nunew: You cooked so much food, naa. Ma.

His mother, who heard Nunew's voice, then turned and smiled sweetly. He stepped closer to his son while carrying an empty cup of water and kissed his son's forehead gently.
Ma: I cooked them special for you, Nhu. Where is your Pa?
Nunew: He's in his room, Ma.
Ma: After you finish, go send your Pa his lunch. Okay ?
Nunew: Krub, Ma.
Ma: Good boy.

Ma then sat on the chair facing Nunew. He saw Nunew enjoying his lunch so heartily that it made him smile happily. Although they are a poor family and have many shortcomings, at least they have a very sweet and kind child like Nunew.

Nunew looked at his mother.
Nunew: Will you go to the garden after this?
Ma: Yes, why? Do you want to follow me?
Nunew: Yes, ma. Can I go with you?
Ma: Of course you can, but before that, you need to give your Pa his lunch. Then, we can go to the garden together.
Nunew: Krub, Ma.

Without waiting any longer, Nunew enjoyed his food again. After almost ten minutes at the dining table, Nunew finally got up and put his plate in the sink. Then he took a plate of rice and put the side dish on the plate. Without wasting time, he then walked away from the kitchen and approached his father's room.

Nunew knocked on the door softly before stepping inside. He saw his father lying down. Nunew stepped in, carrying lunch for his father. He sat down and looked at his father's face.
Nunew: Here's your lunch, Pa.

His father smiled sweetly as soon as he saw his son. He then got up and leaned against the wall. Nunew began to feed his father slowly. That's Nunew's routine. He will always feed his father food because he is not well. His father has cancer. They could not afford to send his father to the hospital, even though the hospital was only a few steps away from their house. That is the fate of their family as a poor family.

Nunew: Today, Ma cooked so many food naa ... Pa ...
Pa: Really ? Where did she got the foods ?
Nunew: From the garden. She told me that everything he planted all this time has paid off. 
Pa: It's good then. At least we have food to survive.
Nunew: After this, I will go follow Ma to the garden. Is it okay if I left you alone here ?
Pa: It's okay, Nhu. I don't care but take care of yourself naa ... I heard lately .... there are vampire in this area.
Nunew: Vampire ?
Pa: Yes, Nhu. 
Nunew: How can ?
Pa: Vampires always look for humans as their victims. They will suck human blood to survive. Lately, many have been found dead on the side of the road and also in the forest because of their actions. They suck human blood to death.
Nunew: Oho ... it's scaring me, Pa. I never thought that vampire still exist.
Pa: They do still exist but they disguised as a human. That's why, I want you and mother to be careful later.
Nunew: Okay, Pa. Don't worry. I will taking care of myself and Ma too. I'm strong enough to protect Ma.
Pa: Really ?

Pa smiled as soon as he heard his son's words. He then stroked his son's head gently and kissed him. Nunew is the source of happiness for both of them. Nunew is a gem in both of their lives all this time.