Jay woke up late.
Again.
Jeena stood near the door.
"Jay…"
"No 'five minutes' today."
Jay pulled the blanket over her head.
"Ma… just two minutes…"
Jeena sighed.
"You said that ten minutes ago."
Jay peeked out.
A soft smile.
"Mama… please…"
Jeena tried to stay strict.
But failed.
As always.
"Fine."
"Five minutes."
Jay grinned.
"Love you, mama."
Jeena shook her head.
"This girl…"
She walked out.
Jay didn't sleep again.
She just stared at the ceiling.
Peaceful.
No worries.
No pressure.
Just her little world.
After a while…
She finally got up.
Slowly.
Stretching her arms.
"Another beautiful day…"
She walked to the mirror.
Messy hair.
Sleepy eyes.
She laughed.
"I look like a ghost."
Jeena shouted from downstairs.
"Jay!"
"Come fast!"
Jay rushed down.
"Coming!"
She almost slipped on the stairs.
"Careful!"
Jeena held her.
Jay hugged her tightly.
"Mamaaa…"
Jeena smiled.
"What now?"
"I'm hungry."
Jasfer looked up from his phone.
"Of course you are."
Jay ran to him.
"Papa!"
She hugged him from behind.
Jasfer chuckled.
"My princess is finally awake."
Jay sat beside him.
"What's for breakfast?"
Jeena placed the plate.
"Your favorite."
Jay's eyes sparkled.
"You're the best!"
She started eating happily.
No rush.
No stress.
Just smiles.
Jasfer watched her quietly.
"She's still a kid."
Jeena nodded.
"She'll always be."
Jay looked at them.
"What are you both whispering?"
"Nothing."
"Eat."
Jay narrowed her eyes.
"Suspicious…"
Jasfer laughed.
"You think too much."
Jay finished her food.
"I'm going out."
"Again?"
Jeena raised her brow.
"Yes."
"I have people to meet."
Jasfer smirked.
"People?"
Jay rolled her eyes.
"Friends, papa."
She grabbed her bag.
"I'll be back soon."
Jeena called out.
"Don't skip lunch!"
Jay was already at the door.
"No promises!"
And she ran out.
Free.
Happy.
Carefree.
The world felt light to her.
No responsibilities.
No expectations.
Just laughter.
Just love.
But inside the house…
Silence slowly grew.
Jasfer looked at Jeena.
"It's time."
Jeena's smile faded a little.
"She won't like it."
Jasfer sighed.
"She has to."
Jeena looked at the door…
Where Jay just left.
Still smiling.
Still unaware.
"That carefree smile…"
"How long will it stay?"