Several days had passed since the final exams. School was now free. And since there were no classes, the children could do whatever they pleased. The reason school was still in session was because of the re-examinations for those who failed.
Dahlia headed to the locker room with her friends to get ready for the game. No one wanted to get their main uniforms dirty, so they brought their sports uniforms.
After putting on their sports uniforms, they began to play happily.
Their young age didn't impose strict gender boundaries, allowing boys and girls to play together.
Well, that was normal; after all, they were still in elementary school, so they didn't yet fully understand gender differences.
As an active child, Dahlia didn't mind getting dirty. She could play ball, catch, or just play tag with the other kids.
It seemed normal, but from a child's perspective, it felt quite extraordinary. Because as long as they were happy, that was enough.
"I'm done."
When they heard Dahlia want to stop playing, some of them were immediately disappointed.
"Eh, again? Damn, we're in the final stretch of the fun."
"Right, right. You're not taking remedial classes, are you? So let's play a little longer."
Dahlia shook her head in refusal. "No. I'm already feeling tired, I don't want to push myself. Besides, it's almost noon, so I think I've played enough. Look, it's almost break time."
"Eh? It's been that long? Wow... I didn't realize. Okay, we won't keep you. I still want to play a little more."
"Then, I'll go first. Bye~."
After parting ways with her friends and finishing playing, Dahlia went to the bathroom to clean herself.
As she showered, the cool water drenched her, cooling her body, which was hot from the strenuous activity.
Her muscles began to relax, and Dahlia let out a heavy sigh as she finally felt the physical exhaustion radiating from her body.
After cleaning herself and putting on her primary uniform, Dahlia saw that there was still time before recess and eating with her friends, so she decided to rest in the library and study.
When Dahlia entered, she noticed the library was bustling.
Because there were no teachers, some students chose to come to the library because they had nothing else to do. Others came simply to prepare for the upcoming remedial exams... That was why the library was busier than usual.
After choosing a book to read, Dahlia sat down in one of the empty chairs. She didn't look for a place far from the field, hallways, or other busy areas, because the room had a sound barrier that could dampen various outside noises.
The quiet library allows all students to study well, sometimes even to the point of losing track of time... That's what Dahlia was experiencing right now.
With the serene atmosphere and the cool air conditioning, Dahlia felt lost in time. If she hadn't noticed that several students nearby had disappeared, she might have stayed there longer.
"Dahlia, you're late."
"Sorry, I lost track of time."
During recess, Dahlia hung out with her friends. They ate together, discussed interesting things, and joked around, just like normal kids.
By midday, school was over, and everyone had gone home.
"Welcome back, Miss Dahlia."
When Dahlia arrived home, she was greeted by her maid, Hazel.
After Dahlia started school, her mother, who had always been at home, returned to work as her father's secretary.
Dahlia felt a little lonely at first, but over time, she got used to it. Besides, her mother would be home in the afternoon, so it wasn't a problem. And as for her father, Kyle, he always came home before nightfall, which allowed them to hang out and spend time together.
"Hazel, let's play."
"Sorry, Miss Dahlia. I got an extra assignment from the madam this morning, so my other work isn't finished yet."
Hearing this, Dahlia was a little disappointed.
"But... if you don't mind a late lunch, maybe I can."
"Yay! I'll go get changed. You wait for me in the backyard, okay?"
Hazel smiled as she watched Dahlia quickly enter the room.
"I have to hurry, too."
While Dahlia was changing, Hazel finished the work she was doing.
Although that task was complete, there were still others she hadn't finished. However, by cutting back on her break time, Hazel was confident she could finish them.
Hazel is a servant, but to Dahlia, Hazel is like a big sister. Therefore, she doesn't feel awkward. And conversely, Hazel also considers Dahlia a little sister. So, rather than a master-servant relationship, Hazel gives some of her time to Dahlia out of her own free will.
*****
Night fell, and Kyle, lying prone on the bed after returning home from work, was suddenly hit by something soft from above.
"Papa, let's play."
Kyle watched his daughter embrace him from behind. "Mmhh... Let's play with Mama first, okay? Papa's tired today."
"No way. Mama's doing something in the kitchen, so she can't play."
"And Papa's sleeping, so he can't wake up."
Dahlia pouted at her father's apparent indifference. She hugged him tighter and began babbling, telling him what had happened today.
Nothing like that would normally be a distraction, but Dahlia had a sweet and adorable voice, and her delivery was also pleasant. So it became a kind of background music or lullaby for Kyle.
"Papa, you're really tired, aren't you? Get a good night's sleep. Afterward, we can play together once you've recovered your strength."
Seeing her father now asleep, Dahlia smiled and kissed him on the cheek.
Dahlia had already taken a nap, so she wasn't tired despite having done various activities from morning to evening.
As the night wore on, the moment Dahlia had been waiting for finally arrived. After about 15 minutes, Dahlia saw her father awake again.
"Papa~!"
She immediately ran and climbed onto her father's lap, who had just sat down on the sofa.
Her only time with her father was in the evenings. After dinner, Dahlia had to study for at least an hour. By the time she was done, bedtime was approaching, so Dahlia only had about an hour with her father, before dinner and after studying. Therefore, she insisted on playing with him.
Kyle, who loved his little daughter so much, was reluctant to refuse her daughter's wishes, so he always tried to fulfill Dahlia's wishes, as long as they weren't excessive.
When Dahlia plays with her father, the sound of cheerful laughter can be heard throughout the house.
They play simple games, like guessing games, playing with dolls, or simply singing together. Although these activities are very ordinary, Dahlia believes these moments together are precious.