16 Sleepless Night

Some servants, especially my father and brothers, were worried about my abnormal condition. Children of my age should ask about where mother disappeared to. Normal questions asking why isn't she in the room? How can I? I'm a grown man inside of a year-old baby.

That's why today I'm going to pretend I don't know what death is.

I knocked on my father's office door. He's been cooped up in there for the past three days after Ava's punishment. I clenched my fists thinking about that day.

When father asked who ordered her, she refused to say anything. Father ended up beating her up to death.

After that day Juno escorted me back to my room and I've been laying on my bed all day, unable to think straight.

But today I'm going to act like a normal child.

"Come in,"

My father's voice sounded hoarse.

I pushed the door with all of my strength. Upon hearing my groans, I heard footsteps from the other side of the door and he opened it. Father looked surprised to see me.

"Ezra..."

He lifted me off the ground and closed the door behind him. First I gave him a big hug by wrapping my tiny arms around his neck. Father didn't say anything. He walked back to his office chair, letting me sit on his lap.

There are tons of documents piling up on his desk. Mother is supposed to be taking care half of it. Now, Father has to do all of them at the same time. I feel so bad for him.

"Mama?"

Then I asked the question. I could feel his body tensed up by my unexpected question.

"... You're asking, where she went?"

I looked up to him. Then nodded my head.

Father is looking at me with a distressed look. Sad, then turned into frustration. He sighed and pinching his nose bridge. He gently turned my body around and let me sit on the desk so he can face me more clearly.

"Do you remember... what happened on your birthday? when we're on your mother's room?"

"..." I silently nodded.

"... She's, asleep. Forever,"

"... Mama,"

Forever. I won't be able to see those beautiful jewel-like eyes. Her beautiful smile.

Tears started to fall down to my cheeks. Father furrowed his eyebrows and pulled me into a tight embrace.

I'm still too weak. I need to grow up, I need to grow stronger so I can use whatever I have to protect my loved ones. I won't let this happened again.

Never.