Tishya was inside the house on a bright spring day. That's quite unusual. His mischievous grin revealed that he was up to no good. Even though no one was present, he chose to sneak in, hiding behind tables, doors, sofas, and whatever else he came across along the way. Perhaps he was playing a game. He climbed up the stairwell like a mouse. He was quick, but he made no noise. He was getting tired of this game as he climbed all the stairs. He made an irritated face as he folded his hands. He told himself, "I'll ask Papa to play with me." He kept sneaking around until he got to his papa's room. The door to the room was wide open, and he noticed other family members inside. He decided to play a prank on them by pretending to faint. He stood at the door with a big smile on his face, ready to deceive everyone. His smile, however, did not last long. He noticed his father lying on the bed, his mother being cuddled by his grandmother, and both of them sobbing. He exactly knew what had happened. His gaze had been drawn to his father. His voice had choked, and he was unable to get a word out. He wondered if he should go to his dad. He kept thinking all of this while standing as stiff as a log. He finally decided to go in, but his feet were still immovable. He wanted to meet his dad, but something stopped him. His eyes began to tear. He began taking inaudible backsteps to move further away from the room. He sighed in agony as he rested his back against the wall. Tears began to fall from his eyes. His tiny hands covered his mouth, blocking any sound from coming out. It was deafeningly quiet everywhere. He could hear his mother and others sobbing from time to time. His heart was sinking. His father was all over his mind. He buried his head between his legs and pressed his palm against his ears. His sobs were uncontrollable. 'Papa,' he wailed. The family members inside the room heard him and his aunt peep out the door abruptly. She noticed him there. She approached him and lifted his head. He didn't open his eyes but instead leaned in to cuddle her. They both sobbed as she clutched him tighter. She took him in her arms and led her into the room. He first looked at his mother, then at his father. His hands wiped his tears clumsily. His aunt put him down, and he dashed to his father without a second thought. He gently held his father's lifeless hand and kissed it. He got up on the bed and laid beside him. He wrapped his hands tightly around his father and closed his eyes while sobbing uncontrollably.
