Souvenir - Chapter 5.3

Later that evening, I called to say I’d be home a little late.

While Maria prepared dinner, the news played on TV—another kidnapping case, a third victim. The parents’ anguished cries echoed through the screen. The victims were of various ages and backgrounds, but most were children or young adults.

After dinner, Maria read to Su until the sound of an approaching car caught Su’s attention.

She had learned to distinguish my car from others.

The moment she heard my parking break engage, she brightened.

Excited, she ran to the window.

As soon as I stepped out of the car, I saw her watching me from above.

Though my hands were full of shopping bags, I managed to lift one in greeting.

Su disappeared from the window.

She dashed downstairs, nearly tripping on the spiral staircase.

“Careful!” Maria called after her.

Just as I unlocked the door, she threw herself at me.

“Welcome home, Papa!”

I laughed, setting down my bags to ruffle her hair.

But then—

Her small nose wrinkled slightly.

She smelled something.

Something floral.

Something not me.

A scent she recognized but couldn’t place.

A sharp pang spread in her chest, though she didn’t understand why.

It felt like proof that someone else had been close to her Papa.

Someone she didn’t know.

I, unaware of her inner turmoil, simply smiled.

“Su, what’s wrong?”

“…Nothing,” she murmured.

Still, she clenched the hem of my suit tightly.

A Hint of Jealousy

I turned to Maria. “I finished work early, but I ran into an old friend—Kenny. We got caught up in conversation.”

“Kenny?” Maria’s eyes widened. “I haven’t heard that name in years! What a surprise. But it’s fine. You’re not that late.”

Maria had known Kenny for a long time—she was practically family. She knew all of my childhood friends, and even my past relationships.

“I see. Well, Su was very well-behaved,” Maria said, patting Su’s head. “She ate her dinner properly and waited patiently for you.”

I knelt down to Su’s level. “I’m sorry, Su. I really wanted to have dinner with you tonight.”

Maria started gathering her things. “I should get going now. Goodnight, Su.”

She kissed Su’s cheek before leaving.

“Thank you, Maria.”

Su and I watched her go.

“Su, what did you do today?” I asked after a moment.

She was silent.

Then, softly, she asked:

“…Who is your friend?”

I blinked. The question caught me off guard.

“You don’t need to worry about that,” I answered lightly. “She’s not someone you need to think about.”

Su was silent again.

“…Su?”

“…Nothing.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m tired. I’m going to bed now. You don’t have to read to me tonight.”

I frowned.

Su never went to bed without a story.

She always insisted on holding my hand until she fell asleep, demanding a forehead kiss every night.

But tonight, she turned away and trudged up the stairs without looking back.

Had I done something wrong?

Maybe she was upset that I hadn’t come home on time.

Or… was she upset about something else?

She was a stubborn child—just like Vera. Once she made up her mind, she rarely changed it.

I sighed.

Tomorrow, I’d get her favorite colorful New York cupcakes.

I listened for the sound of her door closing before I took off my jacket, washed my hands, and sat down for dinner.

Maria had left a bowl of stew.

I had known the moment I walked in—its rich aroma filled the air.

This stew was special.

It was Maria’s signature dish, one my mother had loved so much that she had learned to make it herself.

It was my comfort food.

And now, Su loved it too.

That made me happy.

There were many things I wanted to give her.

But more than anything, I wanted to give her memories.

Since meeting Su, time had started feeling too short.

I wanted to treasure every single day with her.

Time was limited, after all.