This story is sparked from an Instagram reel I saw, so hear we go. And this story starts from a dream of Park Jimin wanting to be a father to a little girl and how it becomes reality.
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Marie was quiet and reserved, but her cautiousness softened a little more each day. She began to follow him around the house, mimicking him as he went about his day—brushing her hair when he brushed his, laughing softly when he danced around the living room, and even singing along to his music in her sweet, tiny voice.
As they sat together on the couch, Marie crawled into his lap, resting her head on his chest, a tired sigh escaping her as she nestled close. Jimin felt his heart swell, and he wrapped his arms around her, feeling an overwhelming sense of peace.
"Appa," she murmured softly, half-asleep.
The word startled him, but as he looked down at her, warmth flooded his entire being. He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, whispering softly, "I'm here, Marie-ah. I'm always here."
In that moment, every hope, every dream he had ever had for a family of his own had come true. And as he held her close, he knew he would do everything in his power to protect and love her, to give her the life she deserved.
They had both found a home in each other.
He wanted to make her world as safe and loving as possible. The first few days were a whirlwind—getting used to her routines, her needs, and slowly learning her likes and dislikes. She was quiet, often drifting into her own world, but he noticed the ways she'd let her guard down little by little, inching closer to him with each day that passed.
One evening, he decided it was time for a bath. They hadn't yet established a routine, and he wasn't sure how she'd feel about it, so he spoke softly as he filled the tub with warm water.
"Marie," he called gently, holding out his hand. "It's time for a bath. Would you like to help me pour in some bubbles?"
She nodded shyly, taking his hand as they added soap to the water. But as he began to undress her, he froze. Beneath the oversized clothes, her small frame was heartbreakingly thin, and faint, faded bruises were scattered across her skin. Her ribs were visible, her body frail and delicate. It was a sight he would never forget—a silent testament to the suffering she'd endured.
Jimin felt a lump rise in his throat as he gently held her tiny hand. How could anyone have done this to such a small, innocent child?
"Marie-ah," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm so, so sorry."
She looked up at him, her one good eye wide and innocent. She didn't fully understand his words, but she reached out, pressing her little fingers against his cheek, as if trying to comfort him. His heart broke and healed in that single moment.
Carefully, he helped her into the warm water, making sure she felt safe and secure. As he washed her hair, he spoke in a soothing tone, telling her stories of his friends, the music he made, and the joy he wanted her to feel in her new life.
"Do you like bubbles?" he asked softly.
She nodded, her gaze following the floating bubbles with fascination.
"Then we'll have bubbles every night if you want," he promised, brushing his fingers gently over her tiny hand. "And you'll never be alone again."
She looked up at him with that quiet trust he had begun to treasure, and he forced a small smile. "It's okay, sweetheart. You're safe now. I promise."
He tried to remain calm, but his hands trembled as he washed her. He'd been warned by the agency that her caretakers had struggled with her diet—that she couldn't keep food down at times, likely from prolonged malnutrition. But seeing the reality, the evidence of her suffering on her small frame, hit him harder than he could have prepared for.
"Let's get you all clean, hmm?" he murmured, as he then began gently washing her body with a soft cloth. She flinched slightly as the water touched her skin, and he soothed her with a gentle hush, holding her hand.
Marie relaxed after a few moments, her tiny fingers clutching his as she settled into the warmth. He took the soft cloth and washed her carefully, making sure to be as gentle as possible around the marks. He couldn't imagine the life she'd had before, the neglect and hunger, the nights she must have spent wondering if anyone would ever come to save her. It broke his heart to think of it.
Once she was bathed, Jimin wrapped her in a soft towel and dressed her in her warm pajamas. He marveled at how small she looked, bundled in soft cotton and oversized sleeves. Her cheeks, rosy from the warmth, made her look even more like the child she was—a child who had experienced far too much hardship.
~
Jimin became a devoted student of Marie's needs. Every meal was a delicate balance, every bite a triumph as he worked with her, coaxing her into eating just a little more. He discovered her favourite foods—soft rice, small pieces of fruit.
Jimin couldn't have been happier. He began learning about Marie's likes and dislikes—her laughter when he would play soft music in the background, the way she would curl up in his arms when they read bedtime stories, and her infectious giggle whenever he pretended to lose to her in games. He also noticed how she would pause before taking a step, as if carefully navigating the world with only one eye's guidance. She bumped into things frequently, and though he tried to prevent it, sometimes she'd topple over. Each time, she'd stand up with a determined pout.
As he picked her up, she rested her head on his shoulder, her small, warm body curled up against his chest.
"Are you hungry?" he asked, carrying her into the kitchen. He had learned that Marie had trouble keeping food down, so he always made sure to serve her small portions, wanting to help her rebuild her strength without overwhelming her.
She nodded, looking at him with quiet trust.
"Let's have some dinner, then," he said with a smile, setting her in her little high chair. He prepared a simple meal, something light yet nourishing—a bowl of rice with soft vegetables, a little bit of fish. He placed a small portion on a plate for her and watched as she slowly picked up her spoon, studying the food with a cautious look.
When she managed to finish her small portion, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. He clapped his hands softly, his eyes crinkling as he smiled. "You did so well, Marie! Good job, sweetheart."
Marie looked at him, her eyes widening slightly at the praise. A tentative smile began to form on her face, a glimmer of joy that melted his heart. In that smile, he saw a glimpse of the little girl she could become—a child free from fear, thriving in the warmth of love.
That night, as he tucked her into bed, Jimin leaned down to brush a soft kiss against her forehead.
Marie's eyes fluttered open briefly, her gaze hazy with sleep, and she reached out, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck. In her own small, quiet way, she was beginning to trust him.
Jimin stayed by her side until her breathing evened out, and a deep peace settled over him. There was a long road ahead, filled with challenges he couldn't yet foresee, but for the first time, he felt complete. The longing that had once kept him awake at night was now a reality, a small hand nestled safely within his own, a promise etched into his heart.
