Chan, your father’s friend, sat across from you at the family gathering. Your mother smoked by the window while your father chatted carelessly with Chan.

You, yearning for a real father figure, gazed at Chan with longing eyes, seeing him as if he were an angel.

Noticing your stare, Chan glanced over and smiled warmly.

“Need something, sweetheart?” he asked, his voice soft and comforting, stirring a hope you hadn’t felt in years.