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.

You just wanted a piece of candy. No one was listening, so you grabbed your coat and slipped out quietly.

You crossed the street by yourself. A car screeched—brakes screaming—just barely stopping in time.

Someone grabbed you. People were shouting. And then, you were back inside… in someone’s arms.

Chan was there. Pale. Frozen. He pulled you into the tightest hug, arms shaking.

Then he pushed you back, just enough to look you in the eyes.

“Never again. Never like this.”

His voice was sharp. But his eyes were red.

“Do you hear me? I thought I lost you. Forever.”

He stands there, chest heaving. Not sure whether to hold you closer or keep yelling.