Chapter 1: Departure

"Daddy, should I have to stay there?" She argues while packing her things.

Her father took a deep sigh that caught her attention then seated next to her. He stared lovingly at her as his big hands softly held her small palms. His eyes show sadness and it's obvious he was restraining his tears to fall.

Oh, my Daddy... He was tough and strong outside but inside is a mushy and a good heart.

"Listen Sunshine, I'll be leaving the country and I'll be worrying about you when no one's there to watch over you." His voice broke as he gently caresses her cheek.

Her father got promoted to be the Senior Production Manager in the Company he was working that is based in Tohoku, Japan, and about to leave the country and stay there to work for as long as it takes. He surely doesn't wanna leave but it was a big opportunity and he can't just simply turn it down. He said it was for them and her future and she understand that.

Her Dad was the only person she has and as a kid, she might not understand what it means but the mere fact that she trusts and loves her father so much enough for her to believe in him. It kinda scary to know that they will be apart for a long time. This is the first time her father will leave her and it worries and scared the hell out of her.

As they agreed with, she will stay and live temporarily at her Uncle Ben's house-her Dad's brother, while he was away. She has no problem with her Uncle Ben and his wife, they were generous and sweet. The only thing that worried her was Elena- their daughter. Her cousin Elena doesn't like her and the feeling was mutual actually. They don't get along with each other and Elena has this selfish and arrogant attitude that she finds irritating every time. She has a feeling that they will never be friends at all and that's the reason why she still keeps on opposing and arguing with her Dad about living in his uncle's Ben house.

"This is the first time we will be apart and I know this will going to be really hard for us but I have to do this for your future, Sunshine. Your Uncle Ben is the only person I can trust to watch over you because I know that he does really cares for you. Do you understand?" Her father softly stated. She went silent for a moment and never bother to answer her father. She wanted to cry because she doesn't wanna be away from her Dad but she was trying hard not to.

"This is for your own sake, Sunshine. You don't want Daddy to get sad and worried about you do you?" She knew her father's voice pretending to be sulking. This is his usual tactic in catching her attention and his way of making her agree to his will. He knew that she loves him so much and don't want to see him sad so in the end, she will give up and agree with his will.

"I don't wanna live on the same roof with Elena. We hate each other. I'm a big girl now and I can take care of myself." She told her reasons. With that, her father just laughed as if it's not a serious thing.

"You were a nice and sweet girl. You can befriend her. Besides, she was your cousin and she could be your friend and a sister at the same time, don't you think?" Her father suggested.

"No! She hates me and so am I!" She retorted.

"Listen, I'm going to Japan, that's a very far place. I can't come back here in just a glimpse in case of emergency so I need someone to watch over you and that's your uncle Ben, do you understand? If you're already a big girl just like what you're telling me now, you will understand me and follow as I've told you." Her father challenged.

"Dad, big girls could take care of themselves when parents are going away. They could make decisions on their own and do good things to be worth to everyone's praises. Now if you don't believe that I'm a big girl now, I'm letting you know I am. So please Dad, I don't wanna live in Uncle Ben's house so agree with me this time." She reasoned out not losing hope still.

Her father took one deep breath and paused for a moment. She knew he was about to blow his lid based on her facial expressions and gestures. She's now feeling a bit nervous. Her father's getting mad, she could feel it.

"Bea, No more buts. Continue packing your things because your Uncle Ben might be waiting for us. You see, I don't want us to have a misunderstanding because any moment from now, I'll be leaving the country so please behave." This time her father was serious and he means what he said. He called her through her name this time instead of his endearment Sunshine. With that, she lowered her head and didn't argue anymore.

"It's just that... I don't wanna leave this house, Dad..." She mumbled. She didn't notice her father's face turned mellowed and looked at her after hearing that.

"It's our home, Dad. It's where our memories treasured in and I gave it importance that's why I don't wanna leave this place." She said in a low tone as her voice finally broke down.

She suddenly felt her father caressed her hair then gently kiss her forehead. When she looked into her father's eyes and noticed the seriousness on his face was gone and turned to soft and endearing loom with teary eyes, she couldn't help to smile lovingly at him.

"Sunshine..." He drawled with a smile on his lips.

"We're not totally leaving this place. We might be leaving this house for a long time but it doesn't mean we are abandoning it. Like what you said this is where our memories are treasured and we'll gonna keep this house, okay?" Her father explained endearingly.

"I'm gonna miss you, Dad." She was on the brink of crying now and any moment her tears will finally fall down. 

"And so am I, Sunshine..." Her father replied. 

"Who's gonna chat with you when you came home after office? Who will accompany you to watch TV after dinner and will remind you to take your vitamins 'cause you're getting old?" Her father suddenly chuckled after hearing that.

"Don't laugh! I'm serious, Daddy!" She retorted in irritation. Her father stopped laughing and pretended to show a serious face because, at any moment, he knew she'll get piss off if he didn't stop. So then, she continued in between teary eyes and clogged nose.

"Who's gonna massage you when your shoulders aches? Who's gonna hang out with you at weekends?" She stated seriously while pouting her lips.

"Yeah, I'm quite wondering about that too?" Her father thought for a moment pretending to be problematic.

"Who's gonna make your favorite coffee and pancakes in the mornings? And most of all, who's gonna said "I love you, Dad" when time to sleep?" She loosened her hold on his father and faced him.

"It's not fun without me, right Dad?" She've seen her father wiped the tears on his eyes then pulled her to his arms and held her so tight.

"I'm your only dear daughter who loves you so much so don't forget to call me always because I'm gonna miss you. Tell me when you already find a girlfriend and when you do, promise I won't get mad." Her father chuckled again at that part. It's true, she will not be against of it if he ever finds a girlfriend in Japan.

"Always remember that I will always love you no matter what." She still said it in between sobbed as she hugged her Dad back.

"I love you, Sunshine..." That words made her smile as she felt her father's embraced went tighter.

When her father was about to go and leave the departures area, they had a hard time separating because she doesn't want to remove her tight embrace with him. She cried hard again when she saw her father walked away from her until he's out of her sight. This will be the very first time they will part for a long time and she will surely miss him so much. Although he promised to call oftentimes, she knew it will still not be enough. At this early age, she might not understand all his reasons why he has to leave but one thing is for sure, her Dad was doing this for her and her future.