Chapter 7: I Miss You So Much

Words : 3053 Updated : Dec 20th, 2023

Fanix gently pulled Brisa into his arms. The memory of what the Dyson family had done to them was something Fanix would never forget. Back then, Fanix and Brisa had approached the Dyson family for a business partnership. They arrived with gifts, treated everyone with respect, and showed genuine sincerity. But all they received in return were cold, mocking sneers. The Dyson family had cruelly declared that the Edwards family wasn't worthy of collaborating with them and that they never would be—unless Brisa stripped off her clothes and Fanix knelt before them. Their gifts were stomped on and thrown into the trash by the Dysons. Amidst the taunts, Fanix held Brisa's tear-streaked hand and led her away. That day, he swore to himself that one day he would stand tall and repay them double for the humiliation. Soon after, Fanix's meteoric rise in the business world shook Norston overnight. "I'll say it again. I'm going to settle accounts with the Dyson family soon. If I'm not mistaken, their youngest grandson's full-month banquet is in a few days. It'll be the perfect time for a lively reunion." Fire burned in Fanix's eyes. He had waited a long time for this moment. "The Dysons, the Chases, and the Doyles will all be there, right? A great opportunity to settle scores with all of them in one go." The intensity in Fanix's gaze frightened Brisa, and she instinctively tried to pull away. But Fanix's embrace was too strong; she couldn't break free. Just then, a voice broke the tension. "Mommy, what are you doing?" Serin came running over, laughing. Brisa blushed, a mix of embarrassment and anger rising in her. "Let go of me now," she whispered urgently. Fanix squatted down, his smile softening as he opened his arms. "Serin, did you behave well at school today?" "It's Mr. Superhero!" Serin giggled, snuggling into his arms. "I was very good! What are you doing here?" Brisa's eyes widened. She had always taught Serin not to trust others easily. After all, without a father figure in her life, Serin had been wary of men and strangers. Yet, after only a few encounters with Fanix, she had grown so close to him. Was this the so-called bond of blood? "How about I pick you up from school every day from now on?" Fanix asked, his heart swelling with joy as he held his daughter. Serin's face lit up. "Yes! Thank you, Mr. Superhero!" "Serin, we need to go now." Brisa quickly stepped in, pulling Serin away from Fanix's embrace. "But I want to play with Mr. Superhero," Serin protested, squirming in her mother's grasp. "Serin, be a good girl. He has things to do. We shouldn't take up his time." Brisa shot Fanix a sharp look. "Please leave now." Fanix didn't budge, watching them walk away. But as Brisa opened the car door and put Serin in the back seat, she found Fanix already sitting inside. "What are you doing here?" Brisa was dumbfounded. "Wow, you're really a superhero!" Serin clapped her hands, delighted. "How about I come home with you?" Fanix asked gently, brushing a strand of hair from Serin's forehead. "Yes!" Serin beamed. Brisa was reluctant but said nothing, not wanting to upset Serin. Once they arrived home, Brisa got out of the car with Serin in her arms. But when Fanix tried to follow them inside, Brisa turned to him, her voice low. "That's enough. Stop following us. I don't want the neighbors talking. You should leave now." Fanix stood at the entrance, watching them walk away, but he didn't move. As Brisa led Serin inside, they encountered other parents picking up their children. Serin suddenly stopped, a strange expression on her face. "What's wrong, Serin? Are you feeling okay?" Brisa asked, kneeling in front of her, concerned. "Mom, let's wait until they leave," Serin whispered, her eyes downcast. "Why?" Brisa asked softly. "They'll make fun of me for not having a dad. They won't play with me," Serin's eyes filled with tears. Brisa's heart ached. She glanced at Fanix, feeling a surge of emotion. This was the unresolved issue that haunted her, making her unsure of how to face her daughter. She had created a story of a good father for Serin, hoping it would ease her pain. "Serin, you do have a dad. He's a soldier, and he's amazing," Brisa said, trying to reassure her. "But you always say Dad's coming back soon, and he never does. I miss him so much." Serin's voice quivered with sadness. "He…" Brisa fell silent, unable to find the words. "Serin, where's your dad? Didn't you say he's coming home soon? Has he abandoned you? You're a liar," a mischievous boy taunted, and the other children laughed along with him. Serin bit her lip, holding her head high to keep from crying. "I'm not a liar. My dad is a soldier, and you can't talk about him like that." "You're lying. You're a liar," the children teased. Brisa felt helpless, sensing the judgmental stares from other parents. Over the years, she had moved from place to place to avoid such humiliating situations, trying to shield her daughter from the gossip. It seemed it was time to move again. Brisa held Serin close, lowering her head, ready to leave. Suddenly, Serin's voice rang out, filled with excitement. "Mom, look! Dad's back! Dad's back!" Brisa turned around and froze. Fanix, dressed in a sharp military uniform, emerged from the sunlight, his steps strong and commanding, his presence dignified. The light seemed to envelop him like a guardian angel descending from heaven. The insignia on his shoulder gleamed brightly, capturing everyone's attention. "Wow, it's true…" The children were awestruck, some even saluting Fanix. "Wow, so cool. Serin, is that your dad?" Even a few mothers looked on with envy, their hearts fluttering. "Hehe. Daddy!" Serin, who had often heard Brisa describe her father, now completely believed the image and ran straight into Fanix's arms. Brisa stood there, overwhelmed with emotions. How wonderful it would be if all of this were true, she thought to herself. Serin refused to let go of Fanix, clinging to him even after they got home. Brisa didn't know what to do. Everything felt too real. "Daddy, I've missed you so much. Why did it take you so long to come back?" Serin's laughter and kisses filled the room. "I finally have a dad. Now no one can say I don't. I'm so happy, hehe." Brisa hadn't seen her daughter this happy in a long time, but she still didn't want Fanix around. So she checked the time and gently lied, "Serin, be good. Your dad still has work to do. You need to eat and go to bed early, okay?" "No, Daddy just got back, and now he has to leave again? Is it to protect the country?" Serin pouted and stomped her feet. "Yes, your dad is a soldier, so he has important work. That's why our country is peaceful and happy." Brisa reached out to hold Serin. "Hmph, no! Daddy, call your boss. I'll ask him to give you some time off. Please stay a little longer. I want to have dinner with you and sleep with you. Please?" Fanix felt a pang of guilt hearing her plea. His daughter was already five years old, and he hadn't been there for her. He felt remorseful, realizing that this simple request was just a basic need for a child. "Okay, Serin, do your homework first. I need to talk to your mommy." Fanix gently set Serin down and walked into the room. Brisa stood at the door, arms crossed, her expression stern. "Don't even think about it. You need to leave immediately, or I'll call the police." "But Serin needs me. You saw it too," Fanix replied, lowering his voice. Brisa narrowed her eyes, sizing him up. "I have to admit, you do look the part in that uniform. Where did you get it? You even fooled Serin. If it weren't for her, I'd have kicked you out by now." "This is mine," Fanix said, adjusting his collar, his tone serious. Brisa scoffed. "You might fool a child, but not me. This insignia is a general's rank. Where did you get this costume? You've really gone all out just to impress Serin." "In that case, I'm even more determined to stay," Fanix replied calmly. Brisa's expression darkened. "Staying here is out of the question. You can leave after dinner." "I don't agree." "Are you planning to freeload here? Don't test my patience," Brisa huffed as she moved toward the kitchen. "Let me cook," Fanix offered. "You learned to cook in jail?" Brisa raised an eyebrow, surprised. She remembered how terrible Fanix's cooking used to be. "Let's find out. How about I cook for you and Serin?" Fanix took off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. "Yes, yes, that's wonderful!" Serin clapped her hands in delight, her face lighting up with excitement. Brisa rolled her eyes, both annoyed and amused. But as she watched Fanix busying himself in the kitchen, she felt a wave of nostalgia. Once upon a time, she had dreamed of a day like this. "Daddy's food is so good! I want more. Can you cook for me every day?" Serin's face was smeared with food as she asked for another helping. "Of course. I'll cook for you every day," Fanix promised, filling her bowl again. Brisa was surprised—she hadn't expected Fanix to be such a good cook. He was much better than she remembered. The mother and daughter usually had an irregular routine. Brisa's work kept her busy, and they often relied on takeout. It had been a long time since they had eaten such a hearty meal, and even Brisa couldn't resist having another bowl. "I'll do the dishes," Fanix offered after dinner. "Forget it. You should leave now. It's getting late, and I don't want people to get the wrong idea." Despite her softened impression of him, Brisa still felt uneasy. "Daddy, where are you going? Stay and sleep with us," Serin pleaded, holding Fanix's hand. "Okay, let's do that," Fanix agreed, scooping Serin up and tucking her into bed before lying down beside her. "Daddy, can you tell me a story?" Serin asked, her eyes wide with anticipation. Just as Fanix was about to begin, Brisa called him outside. She fumed, "Does he really plan to sleep here? What is he thinking?" "If you don't leave now, I'll call the police. Do you have any inappropriate intentions?" she asked sternly. "I'll leave after Serin falls asleep," Fanix said, his tone calm. "No way. She's slept fine without you for years. She doesn't need you now." Brisa stood by the door, holding it open, signaling for him to leave. "Fine. If anything comes up, call me." Fanix handed her a card, took one last look at Serin, and reluctantly left. As soon as he was gone, Brisa tossed the card into the trash. Night fell, and Fanix wandered through the streets of this strange yet familiar city, lighting a cigarette as melancholy washed over him. The darkness seemed to reflect the weariness in his eyes. He walked back and forth along the same street, and before he knew it, he was back near Brisa's residential area. He stood under the building, gazing up at her window. He didn't know how long he had been there—it was already late at night. Leaning against the wall, Fanix drifted into a fitful sleep, only to be abruptly awakened by Serin's cries. His phone rang, and he quickly answered it. "Daddy, where are you? I miss you so much, and I don't feel well," Serin's voice was choked with sobs, tugging at his heart. Fanix froze, unsure of how to respond when Brisa's voice came through the line. "Are you free right now? Could you come over?"

Chapter 7: I Miss You So Much

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