The Weight of Time
The sound of an alarm clock echoed through the small apartment. Keito groggily opened his eyes, blinking at the ceiling. Another day. Another cycle.
He slowly sat up, rubbing his face before forcing himself to stand. His body felt heavy, as if the weight of exhaustion had settled deep into his bones. But he couldn’t afford to rest. Not yet.
Making his way to the kitchen, he started preparing breakfast. The usual—rice, eggs, and a bit of fish for Ayumi. It was a routine he had memorized long ago. He set the table just as a sleepy Ayumi stumbled out of her room, her hair a tangled mess.
“Good morning, Ayu,” Keito greeted, placing a plate in front of her.
Ayumi yawned and rubbed her eyes. “Morning…”
He smiled faintly, watching her take small bites of her food. She was still so young, so innocent. She didn’t deserve the life she was given—the life where she had to grow up too fast.
After breakfast, he drove her to school. She sat quietly in the passenger seat, looking out the window.
“You okay?” Keito asked, glancing at her.
Ayumi nodded. “Mhm. Just sleepy.”
He chuckled softly. “Me too.”
When they arrived, Ayumi hopped out of the car and waved at him before running toward the school gates. Keito watched her until she disappeared into the building.
Then, with a sigh, he drove off to work.
—
At work, Keito went through the motions—answering emails, attending meetings, finishing reports. He did what was expected of him, never more, never less. His coworkers greeted him, but he only responded with polite nods.
When lunchtime arrived, he stepped out of the office and wandered toward a vending machine outside. He bought a canned coffee and sat down on a nearby bench. The breeze was nice, but it didn’t ease the tightness in his chest.
As he took a sip, memories crept in.
His 22nd birthday.
He had just graduated from college, excited to finally start his career. His parents had planned a surprise for him—a birthday party back home. But there was one problem.
He was working overtime.
His parents had called, asking when he would be free. He had told them he’d leave soon. But he stayed a little longer, finishing up his tasks.
He should’ve left earlier.
Because by the time they got in the car to pick him up, the truck had already lost its brakes.
—
Keito stood in the rain, his suit soaked, his fingers clenched into fists.
Before him, two caskets rested in the ground, surrounded by mourners dressed in black. But he could barely hear them.
His heart pounded in his ears, his breathing shaky.
Beside him, Ayumi—only three years old—cried loudly, her tiny hands clutching the sleeve of his coat.
“Mommy… Daddy…” she sobbed, her voice breaking.
Keito knelt beside her, pulling her into his arms. She was so small. So fragile.
He held her tightly, trying to shield her from the world.
*I should’ve left early.*
*I should’ve been the one driving them home.*
*If I had just—*
Tears ran down his face as Ayumi’s cries echoed in his ears.
—
He had been barely holding himself together when he made the decision.
He left Ayumi with their aunt. He told himself it was for the best—he needed to get his life in order first. He had to build a stable foundation before taking responsibility for her.
But when he picked her up two years later, she didn’t recognize him at first.
She had grown without him.
That was the moment he swore he would never leave her behind again.
—
Keito’s eyes snapped open.
He was back at work, sitting in front of his computer screen. The dream had felt too real.
With a deep breath, he ran a hand through his hair and continued working.
—
By the time he got home, Ayumi was already waiting for him, sitting on the couch with a pair of dolls in her hands.
“Keito! Play with me!” she called out excitedly.
Keito smiled for the first time that day. “Alright, alright. What are we playing?”
“Princess and the Knight! You have to be the knight and save the princess from the evil dragon!”
He chuckled and sat beside her, taking the doll she handed him.
As they played, Ayumi’s laughter filled the room.
And for the first time that day, the weight on Keito’s chest felt just a little bit lighter.
YOU ARE READING
THE FIRST TIME DADDY
RomansaMax never imagined his life would turn out like this: a single father raising a lively two-year-old while working at a quiet bookstore. Far from the successful man his wealthy parents hoped he'd become, Max is still finding his footing after years o...
