13 years ago, Levi was in primary school just like Syndesi. And Ethan made it a point to fetch him after school everyday.

Except today.

After Eve left, Ethan had to play the role of father and mother. He needed to patch the gap in Levi’s heart. But Ethan could only do so much on his own. He couldn’t be there for Levi all the time.

Juggling between work and caring for Levi, Ethan pushed himself to the limit. Day after day. Night after night. He worked tirelessly to put food on the table.

Until one day, he broke down. Afflicted by a pernicious fever, his body thirsted for adequate rest.

And it had to be today.

It had to be one day before Mother’s Day.

Ethan was planning to fetch Levi after taking a short nap. But he was completely knocked out. He slept way past the intended time.

12-year-old Levi waited at the school gate for his father to come pick him up. He looked around and saw many children with their parents. Father and mother. Not one without the other.

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He couldn’t bear to look. He didn’t want to think about it. He leaned against a wall and tilted his head down. He preferred to stay in the shade. For the other children’s laughter and joy was like light that was too blinding for his eyes.

He waited and waited and waited.

The crowds slowly dissipated like a mirage. The sound of families leaving for a better place. But his dad never came.

He tried calling but no one picked up. He messaged his dad and waited again...

No reply.

He should have been nervous. Worried. Frantic. He was still a child! But he wasn’t. He had been through worse. He had to learn to be independent at a young age. For he was different from other kids. Different from those who could live in bliss and ignorance. Away from this cruel world.

In this school, there was no teacher who would be kind enough to stop and show him the slightest of concern. The world wasn’t so forgiving. And he knew that.

He surmised his father was probably tied up with some extremely important matters. Albeit, strange, that was the only reason he could think of. He knew his father would never willingly let him walk back home alone.

Levi reluctantly walked into the light but he didn’t want to go back home just yet.

Not today.

Levi had a strong heart but it wasn’t made of metal. He too had emotions. He just shoved them under the rug of the mask he wore. He sauntered to the park his father had brought him when he was younger. There he sat on his favourite swing. Took out his treasured diary, picture and a white letter.

In a park where there was no one who could pity him, he took off the intangible mask concealed under his skin. And let his emotions flood like a river.