Chapter 3 Little Unexpected Angel

"Mommy! Come on, Mommy! Wake up!"

A bright smile instantly lit up Kara's beautiful face as she was awakened by the tiny figure that morning. Eagerly, she hugged and planted a few quick kisses on the adorable little one, causing the curly-haired figure to pull back and pout cutely.

"Mommy hasn't bathed yet! Mommy shouldn't kiss Arka!" The little child protested, his chubby cheeks puffing up even more.

"If mommy hasn't bathed, has Arka bathed already?"

"No! Not yet, mommy! Arka will bathe later, waiting to be bathed by mommy. Mommy said Arka is still small. If Arka bathes alone, the water turns into soap!"

Kara laughed again at the antics of the little angel she never expected. She never imagined that the figure she once despised three years ago would now bring her such simple happiness that could sustain her until now.

"Mommy! Why is mommy daydreaming? Come on, mommy! We need to get ready! We're going to the market, mommy!"

With hurried steps, Kara navigated through the market with Arka in her arms. Although only 23 years old, her skill in shopping and taking care of her child was commendable. She was adept at handling everything herself because, after reluctantly abandoning her studies and avoiding everyone she once knew, this became one of her routine activities, aside from making and selling bread.

"Arka! Why are you only with your mom? Where is your dad?" asked a vendor who was already familiar with Kara's son.

"My daddy is working, Auntie. Mommy said Dad is earning lots of money for Arka's school later!" The little child replied innocently, making Kara smile briefly before resuming her shopping activities.

"What does Arka's dad do? Auntie has never seen him. Is Arka's dad a sailor?"

Arka's round eyes blinked after that. He looked puzzled at his mother. "Mommy, what's a sailor? Daddy isn't a sailor, right?"

"Ma'am, how much is the total for all of this?"

"Oh, just 55. I'm still using the old stock," replied the merchant, quickly grabbing another plastic bag.

Kara had to ignore Arka's question and keep walking out of the market area. She certainly didn't want to create new lies because it would only add to the pain that had never healed in her heart.

"Arka, would you like some candy? Or ice cream?" Kara offered to cover up her guilt towards her son.

"No, Mommy. Arka just wants to know when Daddy will be home. Does daddy's work never finish until he's never with us here?"

Boom!

For anything, Kara thought she could avoid questions like this. But unfortunately, as Arka grew older and smarter, her son became more critical and continued to seek clear answers until all his curiosity was satisfied.

"Arka, sweetheart. Try to remember mommy's words. Mommy once said that Daddy's workplace is far away, right?" Kara said, bowing her head and trying to hold back the tremors in her lips.

"Yes, mommy. But can't Daddy come home for a while to meet us? Arka just wants to see Daddy, mommy! Arka has never seen daddy, while other kids often play with their dads!" The tiny figure now stared at the asphalt of the street he was walking on with his already cloudy eyes and a few teardrops starting to fall.

Kara never expected that all those words could easily escape from her son's tiny lips. She didn't know when all those things had been buried by Arka, so now she could see the disappointment and sadness reflected in her son's face.

No matter what, it's truly painful for Kara to see this. She can't bear to see her child sad, but unfortunately, she also can't do anything for the little one she loves so much.

"Arka, can you hug mommy? I'm sorry because I can't answer all of your questions," Kara whispered, trying to hold back her tears.

Even with his gloomy face, the tiny figure still approached and hugged his mother's body. Kara and Arka finally hugged each other, with emotions raging in their hearts. Undeniably, both of them always easily became fragile when discussing this issue.

The presence of a father figure is indeed very important for Arka. Like in any typical family, a father figure has a significant influence. Not much different from Kara, she also acknowledges that she needs a husband who can take care of her and help her raise their child.

"If Daddy is still busy working, it's okay! Mommy doesn't need to cry anymore, okay? Arka will always be here with Mommy! I still want to accompany and help you every day, until Daddy comes home and takes turns taking care of you!"

The child's tears quickly subsided. Kara didn't know what he was thinking right now, but it certainly made her heart ache even more. Never anticipated her, the tiny figure who was only three years old could behave like an adult like this.

"I'm sorry too, mommy. I'm sorry because Arka's questions made you sad!"

With his tiny fingers, Arka moved to wipe away a few tears that had wet his mother's face. He even stooped down, just to align his head with the figure who had given birth to him.

"It's okay, sweetheart!" Kara replied with a smile while hugging the tiny figure again.

Kara couldn't deny that Arka's embrace was indeed powerful in making her heart strong again. No matter how hard the events that had made her shattered were, Arka always managed to make her calm and enthusiastic about life.

"Love you, Mommy!"

"Love you too, sweetheart!"

Once again, Kara held Arka's tiny body tightly. She hoped her son could be strong in facing all these heavy realities. Suddenly, her cell phone rang, and immediately made her step back, creating a distance when she saw the name of the landlord on her phone screen.

"All right, sir. I'm asking for a little more time. I will try to pay the rent as soon as possible, but ...."

"No, Kara! There is no more time! You have to pay now or you can't stay in my house anymore!" cut off the homeowner in a fit of rage

"Okay, sir. I'll do my best as soon as possible!"

With difficulty, Kara moistened her throat. She tried to calm down before she met Arka again. Several times, she took a deep breath to calm her cluttered mind. Suddenly, her heart seemed to stop, when she realized that she couldn't find her son anywhere around her.

"Oh my God! Where's my son?! Arka! Arka! Where are you, sweetheart?"