Chapter 7

While Mommy was in the bathroom, I leaned over and whispered to the auntie sitting next to me, "Who's Cindy?"

She smiled and said, "Oh, she's your daddy's true love. Did you know? Her nickname is also Nina, just like yours. That's what your daddy used to call her."

I didn't fully understand what she meant, but if Daddy gave her the same name he calls me, he must really like her too.

When we got home, I noticed Mommy still seemed upset, even though she made me lots of my favorite food. I wondered if that auntie had made her sad, so I crawled into her lap and said, "Mommy, don't be sad. Nina wants Mommy to be happy."

For the first time that day, Mommy smiled at me. I felt relieved.

But after that, Daddy started coming home later and later, and Mommy's smiles grew fewer and fewer. Seeing her so unhappy made me sad too.

This time, I got a perfect score on my composition, and my teacher even praised me in front of the whole class. I was so excited! When I showed it to Mommy, she beamed with pride and said I was amazing. Her happiness made me think, if Mommy loved it, Daddy would too! So, I decided to show it to him as well.

Tomorrow is my birthday. I just know Daddy has prepared lots of gifts for me! I can't wait to celebrate with both Mommy and Daddy. Maybe if we spend the day together, Mommy will smile again.

But… it seems like Daddy forgot my birthday. He hasn't come home in days.

Mommy encouraged me to call him, and when I did, Daddy promised he'd do whatever I asked.

I thought carefully, then told him, "Come pick me up from school tomorrow, and let's go to the amusement park with Mommy, just like before!"

Daddy agreed, and I was over the moon! Now Mommy wouldn't be sad anymore.

Since Daddy was coming, I decided to bring my composition with me. If Mommy loved it, Daddy would definitely love it too.

Daddy had never broken a promise before, but this time… he did.

I waited outside the school for a long, long time, but he never showed up.

The sky darkened, the wind was chilly, and my stomach rumbled with hunger. I missed Mommy's cooking, I could almost see her setting the table, placing food in front of me like she always did.

Then, a black car pulled up beside me. The man inside rolled down the window and said Daddy had sent him to pick me up.

I hesitated. I didn't know him.

Sensing my doubt, the man quickly added, "Your daddy is caught up with something important and couldn't come himself. He asked me to bring you to him. He's waiting for you." Then he said Daddy's full name.

I thought about it for a moment. He knew Daddy's name, so he must be telling the truth, right?

So, I nodded and got into the car.

The uncle drove for a long time, taking me far, far away. I didn't know where we were, I only knew the place looked empty and lonely.

That's when I started to realize… something was very, very wrong.