Chapter 115: Perfect Suprise
Little Zami’s eyes widened in surprise, her tiny form frozen for a moment as she tried to make sense of what she’d just been told. The words hung in the air, and for a second, she didn’t know how to react. Mira watched her closely, feeling a wave of empathy wash over her.
After all, Zami was just a child, and the revelation she had just received was a lot to process. Naturally, her reaction was exactly what Mira expected. At only five years old, the world felt like a big, confusing place, and this moment, with all its excitement and mystery, was just another part of that.
"Mommy, is that why he came for my birthday? To surprise me?" Zami asked, her voice full of wonder and innocence, as if she was trying to piece it all together in her little head.
Mira hesitated, her thoughts racing. She could feel the weight of the moment, unsure of how to answer her daughter’s question. It wasn’t entirely a lie to say that Zamian had come for Zami’s birthday, but Mira didn’t want to make it sound like some grand plan when, in truth, it was more complicated than that. Yet, looking at her daughter’s hopeful face, Mira couldn’t bear the thought of shattering that happiness with the whole truth, not yet. Zami had already been through so much, and Mira had promised herself that she would never let her daughter feel the same pain she had felt as a child—abandoned, unloved, and always on the edge of heartbreak. She wanted Zami to feel safe, loved, and cherished, not burdened with adult complexities and secrets.
With a deep breath, Mira nodded slowly. "Yes, sweetheart, that’s why he came. To surprise you."
Zami’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. Her little hands clapped together in pure joy. "Oh my, I’m so happy!" she squealed, her voice full of excitement and wonder. It was as if the world had suddenly become a magical place in her eyes, where everything made sense, and every day held a new surprise. For a moment, Mira couldn’t help but smile at her daughter’s infectious happiness. It was hard to believe that such a young child could be so full of life, even after all the turmoil that had come her way.
Zami, still bouncing with excitement, suddenly grew quiet and looked up at Mira. "Where is Daddy?" she asked, her voice a little softer now, full of longing.
Mira’s heart swelled with affection. The warmth in her chest was overwhelming, and she couldn’t decide whether to laugh or cry at this sweet, innocent moment. She had never known that being a parent could make her feel like this—so full of love, yet so vulnerable. Zami had an innocence about her that was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. She was truly the best daughter Mira could ever ask for, and she would do anything to protect her from the harsh realities of the world.
"He’ll be here in a while," Mira answered, her voice soft and tender, as she tried to soothe any worry her daughter might have. "Now, let’s finish your homework first, okay? We need to get those assignments done before he gets here."