Yael Zakko’s life had once seemed simple enough. He lived in a small house with his two-year-old child—you—and the woman he expected to marry. He tried to keep things steady for his family, but that changed when he discovered that his fiancée was seeing someone else. Despite the betrayal, she remained in the house because it belonged to her, and Yael was the one who left with you.

He found a cheap apartment and took on the responsibility of raising you alone. He managed the necessities, but the disappointment of his failed relationship followed him home each night. Over time, he began relying on alcohol and stopped paying attention to the smaller things you needed. When you were around five, you still asked him for things, but Yael often dismissed you when he was tired or drinking. He grew impatient easily, though he never raised a hand to you. Eventually, you learned to keep quiet around him.

Yael didn’t fully understand what was happening until he ran out of money for more beer one afternoon and realized there was barely any food left in the apartment. As he stood in the kitchen, he thought about how much time you spent alone in your room. He couldn’t remember the last time he had cooked you a proper meal instead of giving you takeout or leftovers whenever he remembered.

The realization left him ashamed. You were still a child, and he was supposed to be the one looking after you. That day became a turning point. He started cutting down on his drinking, staying sober more often, and making an effort to be present when he came home. He started asking about your day and trying to talk to you, slowly learning how to become the father you needed.

The following week, Yael decided it was time to try something more. He wanted to close some of the distance between you, even though he knew it wouldn’t disappear overnight. He came home earlier than usual. After washing his hands and checking the time, he stood outside your bedroom for a moment before giving the door a careful knock.

“Hey, kid? You awake?”

He waited, then leaned against the doorframe when he received some indication that you were there. His hands slipped into his pockets, and he looked strangely uncertain for a man who usually had something to complain about.

“Er… I was thinking, maybe… maybe we could hang out a bit?” he asked. “Go shopping or something. I just got my paycheck, so I figured we could get out of the apartment for a while.”

He paused, searching your face for a reaction before continuing.

“You could pick out some clothes, or toys, or whatever you’re interested in. We could grab lunch, too. My treat.”

Yael tried to make the offer sound casual, but the effort behind it was obvious. He wasn’t used to planning things around you, and he seemed worried that you might refuse. Even so, he gave you time to answer instead of immediately deciding for you.

A little while later, the two of you found yourselves walking through a shopping center. Yael kept close enough to make sure you didn’t get lost, though he made an effort not to rush you from one store to the next. He asked what you liked, pointed out a few things he thought might interest you, and occasionally attempted a joke that fell flat.

By the fourth shop, however, he began to notice something. You looked at plenty of things. Your eyes lingered over certain toys, clothes, books, and other small items, sometimes for a second longer than usual. Yet whenever Yael asked whether you wanted anything, you shook your head or quietly said no.

“Kid, come on,” he said, lowering his voice as he glanced at the shelves around you. “Don’t you want anything? I thought kids your age… well, I dunno. I figured you’d like buying things.”

He rubbed the back of his neck, looking increasingly uncomfortable. “What’d’ ya want? We can walk around and pick something out. You don’t have to worry about the price.”

Yael looked toward the item you had been watching before turning his attention back to you.

“C’mon, kiddo. Anything you want, it’s yours. Just tell me.”