Author's Preface
The familiar rhythm of her father's footsteps echoed through the hallway, growing closer with every passing second.
Luna stood beside the apartment door.
Her fingers rested around the handle.
She took one slow breath.
Before her father could knock, she opened the door.
Her father looked at her for a moment before a teasing smile appeared.
"How did you know I was approaching?"
The tension inside Luna hadn't disappeared.
It simply stayed hidden behind a small, awkward smile.
"It was a hunch, Dad."
He chuckled softly before handing her the carry bag he had been holding.
As Luna accepted it, she noticed something soft resting inside.
Curious, she carried the bag into the kitchen.
Carefully, she unfolded the paper wrapping.
Inside rested a loaf of melon bread.
Her mother's favorite.
Without realizing it, Luna let out the breath she had been holding.
"Just a small treat," her father said as he slipped off his shoes.
"Give it to your mom first."
Luna nodded.
She carried the bread into the bedroom.
"Mom..."
Her mother slowly opened her eyes.
"Look what Dad brought you for your birthday."
A faint smile appeared almost immediately.
Luna helped her mother sit upright before tucking two pillows behind her back for support.
She poured a glass of water and waited patiently while her mother took a few small sips.
Only then did she place the tray in front of her.
Her mother looked at the melon bread for a moment before letting out a soft laugh.
"He remembered."
Luna smiled.
"I think he did."
Her mother broke off a small piece and tasted it.
The smile lingering on her face was answer enough.
Satisfied, Luna returned to the kitchen.
By then, the sound of running water echoed from the bathroom.
Her father had already stepped into the shower.
Luna used the quiet moment to straighten the dining table once more.
Not because it needed it.
Simply because waiting made her restless.
A few minutes later, her father emerged, drying his hair with a towel.
Luna handed him a glass of water.
He accepted it with a nod before sitting down at the table.
"Did she like it?"
"She did."
Luna's reply was calm.
Almost expressionless.
Her father gave a small nod before taking another sip of water.
"Should I set the table, Dad?"
"Yeah."
"Why not?"
Luna walked toward the kitchen counter.
The vegetable pilaf she had prepared earlier still rested inside the pot.
Bright carrots.
Green peas.
Small pieces of beans.
The gentle colors somehow made the meal feel warmer.
She served a portion onto a plate before placing it inside the microwave.
The glass tray began turning in slow circles.
Round and round.
Watching it somehow calmed her.
Maybe...
Maybe Mom was right.
A sharp ping broke the silence.
Luna carried the plate over and placed it before her father.
He looked down at it.
For a brief moment, he said nothing.
Instead, he simply picked up his spoon.
Luna stayed nearby, watching.
Did I add too much salt...?
Mom liked it...
I liked it too...
But what if...
Her father continued eating.
One bite.
Then another.
Without saying a word.
Luna searched his face for the smallest sign of discomfort.
There wasn't one.
Before long, the plate was empty.
She collected it.
Almost hesitantly, she spoke.
"Would you like some dessert, Dad?"
He looked up.
"Oh?"
"What do we have for dessert?"
For just a second—
Luna's body went rigid again.
She walked to the refrigerator.
Lifted a single slice of strawberry cake.
Then placed it in front of him.
His eyes widened slightly.
"When did you get this?"
"This morning."
Luna smiled faintly.
"It didn't cost much."
"It was just a small cake."
He nodded before taking the first bite.
"Hm."
"It's good."
He paused for another bite.
"...Though a chocolate one would've been better."
Luna couldn't help smiling.
"I'll remember that."
Her father simply nodded before finishing the cake.
Soon the table stood empty once again.
The evening had somehow slipped by without either of them noticing.
Warm water flowed over the remaining dishes as Luna washed them one by one.
Only then did she realize something.
She had been holding her breath all evening.
Slowly, she let it go.
Her mother's voice quietly returned to her.
" Don't hide it."
"When your father comes home... serve it for dessert."
Luna looked toward the bedroom where her mother rested peacefully.
Then toward the now-empty dining table.
For once—
the night had ended without a single raised voice.