Almost blind | Haobin

1| You dont have a mother? |1

"I...dont wanna go."

The words slipped from Hao's lips the moment he settled into the backseat of his parents' car, a soft whisper of defiance. He really didn't want to go. The sun was shining brightly, casting cheerful rays through the window, but Hao felt none of its warmth. All he wanted was to be home, curled up in his bed with his toys in the quiet solitude of his room.

Today was his first day of kindergarten, but the idea filled him with dread, not excitement. While other kids might be bubbling over with curiosity and chatter, Hao's heart felt heavy. He wasn't thrilled to meet new friends or explore the classroom like the others. Instead, he stared out the window, longing for the familiar comfort of home, where everything was safe and he could be alone with his imagination, untouched by the noise and energy waiting for him beyond the car door.

His clothes were a burst of color-vivid reds, cheerful blues, and sunny yellows-matching the bright backpack clutched tightly in his small hands. He looked like a little splash of joy against the gray car interior, as if he'd been painted in hues meant to signal happiness and excitement. But inside, Hao felt none of it. The brightness he wore was like a mask, a cheerful costume hiding the uncertainty swirling within him.

His mind couldn't quite grasp why he had to go to kindergarten, why he couldn't just stay in the world he knew best. Until now, home had been his whole universe, a quiet place where he could build worlds with his toys and retreat into his own imagination. The idea of leaving it, of walking into a strange new place filled with noise and strangers, felt wrong-like a puzzle piece forced into a place it didn't fit.

"Don't say things like that, sweetie. It will be alright. You will find friends and have a lot of fun there. Trust me," Hao's father, who was sitting in the driver's seat, said with a smile on his face while looking at the road. "Your dad is right! Why aren't you excited? Other kids will love you, just like we do. Right, Ricky?" another man, sitting in the front seat next to Ricky, said while fixing his hair in the small mirror.

Hao sighed. Yeah, of course his dads would be like that. They were always on the same line with the same opinions. "I still don't wanna go," Hao said with a small pout on his face, which made both of his fathers laugh. Really funny.

"Don't worry, kiddo, you won't be there long. I'm going to work, but Daddy Jiwoong will come for you soon. Okay?" Ricky tried to calm his son while looking at the road. Hao sighed and just nodded. He didn't say anything more, and the rest of the way was silent. Only his dads were talking and joking around.

After few more minutes, they were in front of kindergarden. Hao managed to get out of the car. He looked up at his parents widdely, as if he was trying to convince them to go back home with his big eyes.

"Don't give us that look sweetie, lets go." Jiwoong laughed. Hao clutched his bag tightly, his small fingers trembling slightly with a mix of nervousness and discomfort. As they approached the entrance, he glanced back at his parents, his expression a blend of grumpiness and uncertainty.

"Remember, it's just like playtime at home," Jiwoong reassured him, kneeling down to meet his eye level. "You'll make new friends and have so much fun.." Ricky nodded, adding, "And we'll be right here to pick you up after. You can tell us all about your day after that, alright? Make sure to play with the other kids and be kind.'

With a deep breath, Hao nodded and stepped forward, his resolve didnt strengthen as he caught sight of a group of children playing tag. The warm sun bathed the playground in light, and the laughter echoed around him, slowly easing his apprehension. A little bit.

As they entered the kindergarten, Hao felt a flutter of discomfort. He wasn't sure if he wanted to embrace this new adventure. It would mean saying goodbye to the safety of his parents, if only for a little while but...he didnt want that.