𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐟 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 || 𝐭𝐚𝐞𝐤𝐨𝐨𝐤 ✓

EP42: Fading into stillness

The heavy rain cascaded down in relentless sheets outside, creating a rhythmic symphony that echoed through the walls of Taehyung's cozy home. Clutched in his hands were small slices of watermelon, a feeble attempt to bring a spark of joy to the room that had been overshadowed by the gloomy weather.

Taehyung gently pushed the bedroom door open, his eyes immediately drawn to the small figure lying under the covers. Taehee had fallen victim to the sudden weather change, her tiny frame shivering with fever. With a small smile, Taehyung approached, placing a hand on her warm forehead. Worry etched his face as he assessed her condition; her temperature remained stubbornly high.

In a fragile voice, Taehee called out, "Mama…" her eyes were teary and voice cracked. Taehyung, wide-eyed, set the plate of watermelon aside, concern etched across his features. He brushed a strand of hair from her face, scooting closer as he asked, "Why are you crying, my sunshine? Tell me, what is troubling you?"

Taehee's response was simple but heart-wrenching, "I miss– papa." Taehyung's expression softened, and without hesitation, he gathered her into his arms, wiping away her tears. He whispered soothing words, assuring her that papa would be home soon.

To distract her from the sadness, Taehyung mentioned the watermelon he had brought. Taehee's eyes brightened at the mention of the sweet treat. He kissed her forehead and began feeding her the watermelon, her small munching sounds filling the room with a semblance of joy.

"Taehee, my girl, you're strong," Taehyung murmured, a smile playing on his lips. "Once my pretty baby gets better soon, we will go to our new house in the city. Papa bought a new house for us, we don't need to stay here anymore." Taehee's eyes sparkled with excitement at the mention of a new home. She didn't really like the house they are currently staying in. It was scary.

"You want to go there, right?"

"Y-yes!" She sniffled.

"Then you need a lot of rest," says Taehyung, his eyes falling on Taehee's wet cheeks. "Papa will be back soon, and until then, you and I will stick together. No more tears, okay? We love you so much, Taehee."

"I love you two, too– don't ever l-leave me."

"Of course my cupcake, we'll never leave you. Do you wanna listen to a lullaby?"

"Ye–"

Suddenly, the room plunged into darkness as the lights went off. Taehyung muttered a curse under his breath, realizing the unfortunate timing. He gently laid Taehee back on the bed, assuring her that everything would be alright. Swiftly, he located the emergency light, casting a soft glow across the room. Taehee visibly relaxed as the darkness was pushed back.

Covering her with the blanket again, Taehyung promised to investigate the power outage. As he prepared to leave, Taehee's small voice called out from behind, "w-will you– come back soon, mama?" Taehyung turned, offering a reassuring smile, "I promise, Taehee. You don't need to be scared. I'll be back soon." With that, he ventured into the uncertain darkness, leaving behind the warmth of his daughter and the dim glow of the emergency light.

Taehyung's frustration echoed through the kitchen as he fumbled to find a working flashlight. With a triumphant grasp, he pulled out a flashlight from a drawer, only to discover it was devoid of battery life. The last time they used it was yesterday when there was a power outage. He cursed under his breath, placing the useless tool back.

Opting for a candle, Taehyung ignited the flame and proceeded towards the living room. Midway, an odd shadow danced on the wall, capturing his attention. He halted, his eyes fixed on the peculiar silhouette.

The shadow defied logic, appearing in front of him instead of behind, following his every move. Taehyung experimented, moving his hand and nodding his head, the shadow mimicking his actions. However, it bore a broader and much more muscular figure than Taehyung's own.