My sunshine

New face 01

The years seem to be slipping through my fingers, faster than I can grasp. Just last week, I turned four years old. Since my second birthday, my world has changed—not in a way that I'd call restrictive, but more like a quiet shift. As careful and on edge as my parents have been, I've learned not to add to their worries. I became more mindful, more aware of their unspoken fears, even if I didn't fully understand them.

Their nervous glances and the tension that clung to our home like a shadow weren't things they openly discussed with me. But I could feel it, a silent current of caution guiding every step we took, every decision they made. And though I wanted to explore and push boundaries, something in me understood that doing so might only make things harder for them. So, I held back, letting them wrap me in their quiet protection, even as the world outside grew larger and more uncertain.

I wasn't sure what they were guarding me from—whether it was something from the past or a threat that hadn't yet arrived—but I knew that their vigilance was for me. And even at four, I was determined not to make their burden heavier than it already was.

I stayed home most of the time, trying to avoid adding to my parents' worry. Being an adult trapped in a toddler's body, I didn't mind the quiet life, but after a few months, they started getting restless. They thought they were holding me back, keeping me from experiencing what I should as a child. But after so long without any threats or strange occurrences, it was easy to grow complacent, to let our guard slip just a little.

At least, that's what we wanted to believe—that it was safe to relax. But deep down, we knew the danger wasn't gone. It was just waiting.

To my parents, I must seem incredibly considerate, staying indoors instead of playing with the other children outside. After a long and heartfelt conversation, they finally came to understand that it wasn't because of them or any restrictions—I just genuinely hated playing outside. It wasn't my thing. Instead, the town's library became my second home, a sanctuary of knowledge where I could lose myself in books.

Thanks to all the reading I did, I became more informed about the world around me—the economy, politics, and the delicate balance that governed our kingdom. The more I learned, the more I realized just how complex and fragile everything truly was. And the more I understood, the more aware I became of the hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface.

They drop me off every morning when Dad heads to the guild, and by lunch, I usually find myself at my mother's flower shop, helping her with the day's work or simply spending time with her. That's how my days usually unfold—structured, but comfortable.

Today, though, I woke up earlier than usual, excited for a change in routine. I'm heading to Dad's workplace. The town's librarian is on maternity leave, and I won't be able to enjoy my beloved books for another three weeks, until the new librarian arrives from the capital. In this world, I've come to realize how expensive books are, how much of a luxury education truly is. Most of the common folk remain uneducated—only the wealthy nobles, merchants, and a few others can afford it.

Libraries are considered sacred spaces, not just anyone can work there. The position comes with a lot of responsibilities and conditions, and because our town is so far from the capital, the wait for a replacement is at least three weeks. With the library temporarily closed, today's adventure is at Dad's workplace, a place I've heard so much about but rarely seen firsthand.

As I enjoyed my breakfast, my mom and dad were in the middle of their usual playful argument about whose turn it was to take me along for the day. My mom, as always, was protesting, claiming it wasn't fair.

"But he's always with you!" Dad said, sounding genuinely put out. "I want to show off our son too!" He folded his arms, giving her a mock-serious glare.

The truth was, I enjoyed going with Mom more. The atmosphere at her flower shop was peaceful, and whenever I was there, her sales seemed to skyrocket. She liked to say I was her lucky charm. But Dad often felt left out, which is why I decided today was his day.

"Don't worry, Mom," I said with a smile, trying to reassure her. "I'll be back at the shop tomorrow. Today's Dad's turn."

She sighed dramatically but smiled at me. "Alright, alright, but tomorrow, he's mine!"

Dad chuckled in triumph, clearly pleased with himself.

narrowing her eyes at my dad. "Last time you took him, you didn't come back until midnight! Do you think I've forgotten about that? He's a little kid, and I won't let you spoil him like that again."

Dad looked sheepish, trying to defend himself. "It wasn't midnight... maybe 10 p.m. at most," he muttered, avoiding her glare.

I couldn't help but smirk as I remembered that night. Dad had insisted on stopping by a bar on the way home, claiming he just needed one drink before heading back. I sat there, sipping juice while he enjoyed his beer. It was late by the time we finally left.

" Don't even try to say anything. I'm still furious about you daring to take my baby to a bar!" Mom snapped, her voice filled with anger.

Dad shrugged, trying to look innocent but failing miserably. "It was just one beer..."  

Dad glanced at me, his eyes narrowing as if silently asking, Did you snitch on me? I quickly shook my head, denying it, hoping to avoid getting caught in the middle.

"Don't look at him!" Mom continued, her voice rising again. "It was Elly who told me. She was complaining about her husband coming home late, drunk, and when I asked, she said all the men went out together. The audacity of you, taking my baby to that place!" She was practically fuming now, her hands clenched into fists.

I lowered my head, focusing on my breakfast, trying to make myself invisible. The last thing I wanted was to be dragged into their argument. Better to just eat quietly and let them sort it out.

By the time I finished, their little spat had blown over. They were already hugging each other, as if nothing had happened. I had to give it to Dad—he always knew how to calm her down, no matter how mad she got.

Well, crisis averted. At least for now.

Hello, sunshines! 🌞

Here's a new chapter for you! I'll be doing my best to update as quickly as I can. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thank you for your support!