Prologue

"You have to promise me that you would take care of your siblings" Mark said hoarsely to his first child.

He has been on the hospital bed for over six months and his health is deteriorating day by day. Despite the fact that he knew this, he still manage to give his daughter a weak smile. He didn't want the poor girl to feel helpless or sad.

"Dad, why would you ask that of me when you know quite well that I'm too young to take care of myself not to talk of anyone else" she complained with a dour and suspicious look.

"I know you are young but you need to be strong" he replied and then a cough followed.

"Dad I have you and mum to take care of us. I know you are saying this because you are sick. Nothing will happen to you dad".

She took her father's hand and entwined it with hers giving him and encouraging smile.

Mark smiled and patted her hair. " I know nothing will happen but sweety, your mum and I might not be with you always. we might be somewhere far away and that will make you responsible for your sisters" he preached softly.

"Dad, do you have to go anywhere?" she asked with curiosity.

"No Darling"

Mark has always been proud of his daughter. she's really intelligent.

"But we won't be close to you forever"

He added trying to sound sweet but his illness was really exhausting him that he could hardly speak. He was straining all his strength to assure his girl that he would be fine.

"Ok dad, if it will make you feel better. I promise to take full responsibility in taking care of my siblings if it happened that you and mum are not around to do so"

She raised her right hand as if swearing an oath and Mark smiled at her

"Are you satisfied now dad?"

She grinned at her father who was trying all he could not to cough.

"Sweety"

"Yes dad"

"I think I'm hungry. why don't you go get dad some food to eat" he said robbing his belly to show his hunger

Melissa gave him a quizzical look but left. As she went, she prayed so hard that her father will recover fast. Her father was all she got. if anything should happen to him, they will all starve, including their mum. Since their father's sickness already bankrupt them. Melissa loved her father so much that losing him will be like losing her life.

By the time she returned to the hospital with the food, the worse that was feared already happened. She was so dumbfounded that she didn't know whether to cry or shout. She felt so heartbroken that has her father was carted away, uncontrollable tear streamed down her childish chubby cheek. Her !other was already wailing so loud that the more she hear her shout the more painful her heart become.

It was at her father's funeral that she remembered her father's words and his reason for saying that. Then she shout so loud not minding the people around who watched her with so much surprise and pity.

"I PROMISE DAD!! I PROMISE!!".