Chapter 31: We have a daddy!
Chapter 31
"—make sure your mommy and daddy come too, there’s a special section for parents." The classroom was filled with cheering and excitement from the pupils after their teacher briefly announced the upcoming sport activities.
Ms. Tina smiled warmly, looking at the kids. "I’m coming," she said, turning to leave but stopped at the door frame. Her eyes narrowed at each pupil. "Don’t make a noise. I’ll be back in a jiffy," she said and left.
A few kids started chatting excitedly about their daddies bringing new cars, buying rewards and all. Hanith’s ear picked up—he wanted to join and also proudly boast about his father too.
Uncle Piano.
Amongst the pupils, a loud boy stood on the table, his shoulder blade raised. "My daddy will help me train and I’ll win!"
Other kids started talking about their fathers as Hanith turned a little, sitting quietly. "My daddy is coming too," his voice was soft yet laced with happiness as he felt excitement rush in him.
His daddy.
He smiled, remembering Uncle Piano’s attentiveness towards him. Hanith could recall asking his twin sister how she could so easily be comfortable with their new father. His sister responded, "I know you like him too. Aren’t you happy we have a father now? Weren’t you the one who wished for Uncle Piano to be our father? Aren’t you the one who wishes for uncle Piano to be our father?"
A smile found its way to his lips until he noticed how silent the classroom was. He raised his head as saw the pupils’ eyes zeroed on Hanith who wanted anything but to be seen. He fiddled with his fingers.
The loud, overweight pupil known for bullying—Tyler—snorted in disbelief. "You don’t even have a dad," he laughed mockingly. "He’s never brought you to school or picked you up..." he said. "That means you’re lying," and the other pupils laughed.