Chapter 5 - Blood

Her mother, gave birth to her in their mansion. The midwife helps to get the baby out safely. This baby girl, came out healthy and safely, crying loudly and being hugged by her Mother and Father who were right next to her.

“Her name will be Rina.” Her father said.

But, her mother after Rina was born, her mother was dying. There was something that she wanted to give it to her husband.

The letter. He promised and kept it, and his wife died. He cried, it hurts, but he has to get up. Needed to be strong, for his only daughter left by his late wife.

Two years passed. Her father took care of and raised Rina properly. He taught her to walk and distinguish colors.

Sometimes he took Rina for a walk in the forest, so she could get familiar with it. Even though the family is just the two of them, their home is still beautiful. Just a simple family.

As their small business, it is in their yard that they get their livelihood. Vegetables and fruits are what his father sells for their daily expenses. So, early in the morning, his Father was already preparing for those to be sold.

“Rina, child” he said.

He carried her while carrying a basket full of goods.

“We’re going to sell it today, child.” He added.

And young Rina nodded and he kissed her on the forehead. After they sold their goods, they went home.

“Child, come. I have something to show you.” He said.

His baby girl immediately leaned onto him. And showed the beautiful dress he bought.

“Darling, let’s put it on you, child. Let’s see if it fits you.” He added.

Seeing that Rina looked cute, her father was happy that he had chosen the right dress and bought it. And he immediately hugged his precious daughter.

It were just only father and daughter in their lonely mansion, but somehow they live happily. When Rina was three years old, she was taught on to draw and color. Even in writing her name. Father gave her pens and coloring books.

So Rina was happy with the gifts she had received. Rina was also so grateful to her dear Father. After celebrating Rina’s simple birthday, she got ready for bed. The Father waited for her to fall asleep.

Then he went to the secret doorway, which leads to the basement of the mansion itself. And there was a large old wooden box covered with a large cloth. It always goes there after the whole day’s work. He was just stunned there in front of the large old wooden box that he first removed the lid.

That’s how it works, at night, after Rina goes to sleep. And it reaches 3:15am only then will he return to his room. But before that, he will first go to Rina’s room to see the child, then go to his room and lie down.

After staring inside the wooden box, he immediately closed it. The key is always in the pocket tied to his belt.

Morning came and he got ready to earn a living for both of him and Rina.

A few years passed, Rina was seven years old, and her father suddenly fell ill, with an unknown type of illness.

Suddenly, his father’s immune system collapsed causing him to be bedridden.

(cough)

“My darling” he said.

“Father, I will take care of you. Be strong.” Rina said tearfully.

Rina held a hand of her father who was already bedridden and the father also held the little hand that held him.

“My princess, always remember and obey all my wishes to you. That is the only legacy that your late Mother and I can leave you, before she-“

He was coughing so he didn’t finish what he had to say. Rina reached for a glass of water.

“Father, have a drink. Take your medicine too.” Rina said.

“I’m sorry, my child.” He said.

She hugged her father and he kissed her head.

“Father, don’t leave me.” She said.

“I’m here, my princess.” He said.

Rina cooked at a young age, washed the clothes and cleaned the entire mansion, even gardening and selling their crops.

Even though it was difficult, she worked very hard to help her sick Father.

She bathes and feeds her sick Father.

A month to go before her birthday, but her father is still not getting better.

“Father, take your medicine.” She said.

“Thank you.” He responded.

“My child, sorry if your bedridden Father can’t help you. Sorry.” Tearfully he added.

Father and daughter wept over their fate.

Ever since her father became seriously ill, Rina seems to have lost hope in life. Her smiles before have been replaced by sadness now.

Rina’s birthday is coming up, but she still has no plans to celebrate, because she thinks about her Father’s condition.

Meanwhile, he calls Rina.

(cough)

“Uhh.. My child?” He said.

“Father” She replied.

“Your birthday is coming soon, my child. What is your wish?” He said.

“Father, my only wish is that you get better. And that I can be with you for a long time.” She said.

“Oh, my child, lean into me.” He said.

He felt sorry for his young daughter who he could leave alone. When he heard the child’s request, he burst into tears and felt a stabbing pain in his heart. Seeing her Father cried, she also cried.

At night, Rina’s father felt a tightness in his chest. He screamed at the intensity of the pain he felt. Rina hurriedly went to her father’s room.

Rina immediately helped her father but she did not know what to do next after she made him sit on the bed.

Rina was massaging her father’s chest, so that he could take the medicine. So, Rina did not go far from her Father’s side. After a few hours of fighting the illness, Rina’s father was able to rest.

Rina fell asleep next to her Father’s bed. He peeked at her while sleeping soundly then he fell asleep too.

Rina’s birthday has arrived. Rina celebrated with her father on her birthday. Even though they only have bread and stuffing, Rina and her Father are still grateful for it.

Rina is very simple.

(Happy birthday to you~)

“Happy birthday, my princess.” He said.

“Thank you, Father.” She replied.

They hugged each other. And they shared the bread and stuffing prepared for Rina’s birthday.

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