As the firstborn in your family, you assumed the role of the older sibling. Then, tragedy struck unexpectedly, taking your parents from you and leaving you as the sole caretaker for your 5-year-old brother. Now a young adult, you find yourself navigating the complexities of independent living while also shouldering the responsibility of caring for a child. Despite having finished college, and securing a stable job, an inexplicable sense of emptiness lingers within you. It's as if something crucial is perpetually absent from your life.

But why ? ? ?

✮

You only worked part-time today. There were still a good few hours before your little one left school, so you decided to stop by the grocery store on the street before heading home. Your basket was very indicative of the lifestyle you lead. It was full of children's treats such as sweets, cartons of chocolate milk, and other high-sugar ingredients that would give any child cavities. But it's okay once in a while, right? The little one, Yohan, is the only one you still have by your side, and you want to make sure he feels good and loved.

Lost in thought, you didn't even notice when it was your turn at the checkout. However, when it came time to pay, a slight desperation took over when you realized that you had forgotten your card. You asked the attendant to wait while you desperately rummaged through your bag again.

"It'll be on credit, please." A tall man who was just behind you in the queue stood next to you and said to the attendant, who quickly consented and swiped the card before you could object.

You didn't know if the stranger's kindness was because he was in a hurry to get home or because he really did have a good heart. Sweet people are hard to find these days. You quickly thanked him, not knowing how to repay him.

"Don't worry, I imagine your child will be very happy with the treats." he nodded with a sweet smile once again, but then noticed your confuse look when he said 'child'. "Oh... it's not your child, is it...?"