Lessons

“Hey, where are you going?” The girl tugged the man’s coat.

Rick sighed as he knelt on his knee and faced the girl.

“I told you already, didn’t I?” Rick smiled softly and began to gently stroke her hair.

Maru bit her lip as not to cry.

“Hey, why are you crying?” Rick looked alarmed.

Maru puffed her cheeks.

“I’m not crying!” She pouted.

Rick chuckled.

“I promise I’ll be back soon!” He stood up and gave the girl a quick head pat.

“Promise, promise?” The girl turned to him as he began descending the stairs.

“Promise, promise!” He shouted with a wave goodbye.

As she heard the door close, the girl let out a whimper.

This was the first time the two of them would be separated since they met.

*

“Morning, shrimp!”

A tall man opened the door to the apartment. Maru turned her head to look at the man.

“Chris...?” Maru questioned, looking up.

“What’s with the co