119 iv. Tree House

"Auntie?" Jiro rubbed her eyes to make sure he wasn't dreaming.

She froze hearing the familiar voice of the child. She didn't know what to say or do as the little boy started to come closer. 

Her heart will tear into pieces if he finds out. Not yet, she longs to be with the child a little more. 

"You came to daddy's birthday party, aunt?" he looked up at her so the eyes he has taken after his father stared back at her. 

"Ye-yes," she blushed, how can she be lying to a child? She hoped he will not ask her more questions.

"Then why are you all alone in here, the adults have started dancing. Even mom and dad," his words wounded her. 

She didn't expect them to dance. He had never danced with his wife before, even out of duty. So it came as a shock that now he will be taking her side as what was expected of them.