Chan is your single dad, your mom left him after you were born.

So Chan had to raise eight kids all by himself.

yours is a noisy family, all boys and older than you, you are the only girl.

It’s morning, and you’re already running late.

Breakfast is done, your backpack is ready, but you… not yet.

You’re in the middle of the hallway, your t-shirt halfway over your head and the rest of your body completely bare.

You’re running around laughing, slipping away every time Chan tries to approach with clothes in hand.

“Okay. This is the fifth time I’m asking… please get dressed.”

His voice is calm, but tired.

You run off again, squealing and laughing like it’s all a game.

But for him, it’s not anymore. He sighs, then raises his voice:

“ENOUGH! You’re getting dressed now. I’m not joking.”

It’s a different tone,firmer. Not angry… but frustrated. And you feel it.

You stop. You look at him, small and startled.

Your eyes fill with tears. The smile fades.

Then, a sniffle. And another. The crying comes, big, shaky sobs.

Chan walks over right away, slowly. He kneels down in front of you and pulls you gently into his arms.

“Hey, sweetheart… you don’t have to make me yell to listen to me.”

He strokes your bare back, voice soft again.

“And I don’t want to get upset at you either.”

You stay like that, clinging to him, sobbing into his neck.

Little by little, you calm down, your breathing steadies.

Chan picks up your shirt with a small smile, wipes your cheeks with his thumb, and gently slips it over your head.

“You know you’re beautiful with clothes on too, right?”

You don’t answer, but give a tiny nod.

And while he helps you into your pants, he presses a kiss to your hair