"Dad! Welcome back!"
"Daddy! Welcome home!"
As the front door swung open, a wave of excitement washed over the two children, their faces lighting up with delight. While their father has a warm smile gracing his lips, with his right hand overflowing with colorful take-out bags, the tantalizing aroma of food wafting in the air.
With gleeful shouts, the twins dashed forward, their little feet thumping against the hardwood floor as they enveloped their father in a tight embrace. He chuckled softly, his surprise worn away by the familiar routine, and returned their affection with tender kisses on the tops of their heads, one after the other.
"I'm home," he announced, his voice cheerful, resonating with the love that filled the room. The twins giggled, their laughter ringing like music, rich with the joy of being reunited with their father after a long day.
But during the affectionate moment, Kidlat, the younger twin, momentarily lost focus. His gaze was fixed intently on the bounty of take-out his father had brought home. With eager hands, he tugged the plastic bag, a radiant expression of curiosity and anticipation on his face that he couldn't wait to open it.
"Kidlat, don't snatch it without Dad's permission!" nagged the eldest twin, his brow furrowing slightly in disapproval as he watched his brother's actions.
However, Kidlat caught up in his excitement, pretended not to hear Zefhan's warning. His relentless curiosity overshadowed any sense of caution as he continued to edge closer to the enticing mystery of the food, his imagination running wild with the delicious possibilities that awaited them inside the bags.
Kidlat stepped into the cozy kitchen, a familiar scent wafting through the air as he opened the packaging. The sound of crinkling paper filled the room, revealing the styrofoam container that held the curry dish they all adored.
"Wow!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement, and his eyes gleaming with delight at the sight of the food.
Besides the curry, a beautifully decorated cake sat nestled in the box, ample enough to serve the whole family. The layers were rich and inviting, promising sweetness with each bite.
He carefully transferred the curry into a glass bowl, the rich colors swirling together as he did so, and placed the cake onto a sturdy plate, making sure it would be safe from any potential spills. Once everything was neatly arranged, Kidlat placed them both into the cabinet above the counter so no stray cat could snatch his favorite food.
It was still early; the clock on the wall ticked gently toward six o'clock in the afternoon as Alrich settled back into the familiar rhythm of home life after a long day. He watched with fondness as his youngest son diligently followed his routine, putting the food where it belonged.
A smile crept across Alrich's face, warming his heart at the sight. His son was meticulous, securing the bowl with a layer of plastic wrap and placing a cover over the cake as well, fully aware of the risk of ants infiltrating their treats.
Even though Alrich felt a slight urge to correct his son—reminding him that the food could be heated directly in a saucepan—he decided not to do so. He appreciated the effort of them, and that's all that matter.
However, not too far away from him, Zefhan could barely hide his disapproval. He was the more sensible of the twins, and he preferred to assess the situation before making a move. Zefhan took all of their father's lessons to heart, demonstrating proper manners and careful consideration in everything he did.
In contrast, Kidlat added a sprinkle of chaos to their otherwise orderly household. His playful antics often bordered on mischievousness, yet there was a seriousness about him when it came to his father. He had little patience for the judgments cast by outsiders regarding Alrich's parenting.
To Kidlat, his father's happiness was paramount; his youthful innocence shielded him from the complexities of life's challenges.
At such a tender age, all Kidlat truly desired was his father's presence, unaware of the shadows that loomed when Alrich faced hardship. Whenever difficulties arose, it was a painful absence that echoed in Kidlat's heart.
Where was the other father, he often wondered?
But as time goes by, Kidlat doesn't give them a chance to think about them again.
All he cared about was his father, Alrich. The person who gave birth to them and took care of them.
Meanwhile, they were just nothing but a fragment of the past that needed to be forgotten.
As he navigated through childhood, it was Alrich's strength that filled his world, a constant anchor amid the chaos of life.
****
"Daddy, we're heading out!" Kidlat exclaimed, planting a quick kiss on his father's cheek, his youthful energy evident in his bright smile.
His older brother followed suit, carefully adjusting the strap of his backpack on his shoulder. "Dad, see you later!" Zefhan said, waving cheerfully as he joined Kidlat at the door.
Together, the twins made their way into their room, which was still quiet and sparsely populated this early in the morning, with only a handful of classmates trickling in. The school was conveniently located just a short stroll away from their apartment, making it easy for the boys to commute or walk. Alrich, their father, felt a sense of relief knowing they could walk home in the afternoon without any worry.
Before letting them go, Alrich took a moment to impart his usual safety reminders.
"Remember, don't talk to strangers," he cautioned, his voice firm yet gentle. "If anyone approaches you in a way that makes you uncomfortable, scream or run as fast as you can. And please, never accept candy or money from anyone." His gaze locked onto theirs, emphasizing the importance of his words. "I just want you both to be safe."
The boys nodded vigorously, their faces reflecting understanding and compliance. "We will, Dad!" they chimed in unison, the sincerity in their voices warming his heart.
Alrich smiled in approval, feeling reassured that they were listening.
With one last glance at his sons, Alrich decided it was time for him to leave as well.