The Promise
Lade stood at the window watching the children from the next house play on the street. They were her friends and she was supposed to be with them, playing and laughing as they pushed each other playfully and played games but what was going on at hand wasn't calling for joy.
"Lade", A man's voice called. She didn't want to turn but had to because she knew that if she didn't, she might never see that face again which she knew was a bit dramatic. Tears in her eyes, She turned to the voice.
"My girl, come here", the owner of the voice said beckoning to her. She ran into his arms and cried on his chest. Her father tried to soothe her, mumbling words into her hair but the crying intensified.
"Stop crying, I'll back before you know it", her father pleaded.
She raised her head and sniffed, "That's what you keep on saying, you will come back, you will come back but we don't know when and you always come late".
"Don't worry, this time, I'll be back before you know it", her father said, looking into her eyes.
"Mmph", she sniffed again. Her father was a businessman who travelled frequently from one place to another and often spent much time away from home. Riches could buy anything but what she wanted was her father's presence and love. Yes, he loved her but she wanted more. She was the only child of her parents and had grown accustomed staying with her mum all the time but she had a father and wanted to feel his presence too.
She suddenly had an idea, " Why can't Mummy and I go with you?"
"If that was possible, I would have allowed it but what about mummy's work and your education?", he asked.
The tears flowed again, "Mummy will surely get a job there and I will go to a school there too". Her father shook his head, wanting to explain to her but she didn't want to hear any of it.
"It can be possible , why can't we all go together"? , she asked, trying another tactic.
"Lade, I'll be back before you know it, it's going-
"No, no, no!", Lade cried as she moved out of his arms and turned away, crying.
"Honey, the time is ticking, you wouldn't want to miss your flight", Lade's mum said to her husband. This wasn't the first time her husband was traveling for a long while So it didn't faze her though her heart was breaking. She could fully understand what her daughter was feeling, but she had to be strong for both of them.
"I promise to be home before your birthday, okay. What about that?", Her husband said, kneeling beside their crying daughter.
Lade looked up with pain etched in her eyes, "My birthday?"
He nodded. It was April and her birthday was in November which was going to be 7 months without seeing him. This was the longest he was going to be away from them.
"You promise?", she asked, She wanted to say more but knew it was going to amount to nothing.
"Yes, I do. I promise, I'll be back before your birthday", He promised. She nodded and they hugged each other. Her mother stood at the door smiling sadly.
7 months later
Hugging herself, Lade stood at the same window she had months ago and watched the street. It was devoid of playing kids as It was rainy season and the weather was a bit chilly so most of them were indoors.
