I’d built my company from the ground up, starting as a low-level employee and working my way up. This past year had been crucial for the company’s growth, which meant I barely spent time with my family. So, I was so excited to see my wife and daughter even before the flight.
As soon as my plane landed after the three-hour flight, I declined my colleagues’ invitation to celebrate my return and hailed a cab straight home.
It was already 11 PM when I arrived — a time when everyone should’ve been asleep. But Zera’s room was still lit.
I crept down the hall and peeked inside. I saw her hunched over her desk, frantically scribbling away. Her face was also tight with anxiety and her eyes were distant and unfocused.
My heart clenched upon seeing her pitiful appearance. Was school piling on too much work? Why was she up so late?
I pushed the door open, hoping to surprise her. But instead, she flinched, instinctively shielding her face like she expected to be hit. Her body then curled into itself, trembling.
"Zera, it’s okay. It’s me."
She froze for a moment before hurling herself into my arms.