The Wish You Left Behind

Chapter 30: Grumpy Head

FAYE

Seeing herself in the mirror, Faye turns to her side where the freshly healed wound is. She holds back from scratching it, though, and picks the button-up shirt from her closet.

Her uniform is crisp, not even a crease in sight. Sometimes she wonders how Mr. Bunmi iron clothes to perfection. For she, herself, didn't have the time and patience to do so.

Not to mention that it smells good, too.

Faye runs her fingers to its collar before buttoning the shirt while her fair skin is still glistening from the shower that she just took that morning.

She sweeps her hand through her toned stomach, swatting off a few mildew.

Once done, Faye pulls out a glove from one drawer and wears it.

Its leather feels firm against her calloused hand.

How she hopes she doesn't need to punch anyone today.

Faye is fiddling with the hanging coats in her closet when the door to her room squeaks open.

Shaggy, brown curls peaks before Ryn came in, running with open arms. The kid pauses within an arm's reach before pouting and putting down her arms.

Faye has her arms open, waiting, but the child didn't hug her. She raises an eyebrow. "It's okay. My wound doesn't hurt anymore."

Ryn shakes her head. When her brown curls are splayed all over her face, Ryn swats it with her chubby hands.

"I might crumple the shirt. Granpa woke up early to iron it."

"Oh." Faye stands and shoves her hands in her pocket. "I see. I'll thank him on my way out."

"As you should."

"Woah," she said with a chuckle, regarding the kid's gloomy face. "Someone didn't get enough sleep, it seems."

The kid looks up at her, hand on waist. "I haven't got my milk yet."

"Ah!" Faye said with great relief. "Come on then, grumpy head. I'll prepare one for you."

Before she can carry Ryn out of the room and into the kitchen, the kid holds out a tie.

It's a plain black tie. Her only tie, given by Mr. Bunmi and Ryn on her 29th birthday last year. The only gift she received and yet it means a lot to her. That's why she only wears it on special occasions.

Perhaps coming back to work is worth that merit.

"Put it on me?"

Ryn picks up a stool and places it in front of Faye. When she struggles to climb up, Faye holds back a chuckle.

"Does the lady need some help?"

"No."

"Okay." Faye holds onto the stool instead. Once Ryn is settled, she holds onto the kid's underarm as she starts tying the tie.

"Do you even know how to do that?"

"Granpa taught me, you know."

"Alright."

She wants to pinch her cheek but holds back.

"Done?" She asks as soon as the kid leans back.

Faye studies it in the mirror. It seems right.

She beams at the kid and put her down from the stool.

Faye swears the kid is getting heavier and heavier.