Chapter 1
BEEP… BEEP… BEEP… CLICK.
Nerro rubbed his eyes and grabbed the phone. "Mmhh… who is this?"
"Is this Nerro?" a firm voice asked.
"Yes… it's mine. Who's this?"
"I'm your landlord. I want the rent collected by the end of the weekend. Got it?"
"F–uh… yes, I'll pay by the end of the month…"
"End of the weekend, not the month."
"Yes… yes… weekend…"
The line clicked dead.
Nerro ran a hand through his hair. Fucking hell… can't even afford instant noodles now. He flopped onto the couch, staring at the ceiling. His stomach growled. They want me to pay rent… this week?
He glanced at the calendar. April 14th. Abby's birthday. His chest tightened. Shit… I promised her a princess doll…
By the time he reached the small toy store, Nerro had counted his coins three times. One hundred pesos for the doll. One hundred and ninety pesos in his pocket. I can do this. Abby will be happy. That's all that matters.
The cashier rang it up. "That'll be 100 pesos.."
He handed over the bills, trying not to think about the remaining ninety pesos. Well… that's lunch and bus fare gone… maybe more…
"I have to buy her a cake too"...Headed to the cake store
"oum, hello how much for your cheapest cake?..."
"our cheapest is 100 pesos which is the chocolate cake."
Damn 10 pesos short.
"uhh...how much for the cupcake?.."
"cupcake will be 50 pesos "
"yeah ill take that" handed her the money
fuck.
sat down on the bench.
pulled out a cigarrete .
huuff....
Nerros eyes Glimpse at the little girl recieving a big baquette of flower and a set of princess X knight Toys from her father next to theyr Fancy looking car.
what a perfect family they had.
huff.....checked his watch ..its time.
Fixes his hair and pushed the bell.
Ding dong.....Ding dong....
"ill get it...!"as abby ran towards the door excitedly.
opens it..."oum...huh?thats wierd theres no one her-"
"Tada!!"Nerro appeared from the side of the door holding a cake,a gift,and a small flower he picked on the way.
"Kyaaa! dad!...finally your here i missed you so much!"as she ran and hugged Nerro.
"i even thought you forgot my brithday...humpp"squeezes.
"oof... missed you too,okay enough haha your getting stronger abby"
"How could I forget my princess's birthday?" Nerro laughed, hugging her tight. "Now, goodbye to your mom—we're heading to the park. Delicious cake, and I've got a surprise for you, hehe."
"Really?!" Abby's eyes sparkled.
"Of course!" Nerro replied.
Abby waved to her mom and the new man in her life—Joseph, her mom's boyfriend. Nerro froze for a second.
"Bye Abby! Have fun!" Joseph called cheerfully.
"Um… Abby, who's that?" Nerro asked gently.
"My mom's… boyfriend," she said casually. "They've been together for a year and a half, I think."
Nerro nodded, swallowing a lump. Right… the park. Cake. Surprise. Keep moving.
At the park, they settled on a bench. Nerro carefully placed the Gift and cupcakes beside him.
"Here," he said, holding a small chocolate cupcake and a candle. "Make a wish, then blow it out."
Abby closed her eyes for a moment. I wish Dad will finally find his happiness… and also a job.
"Yay!" she clapped. "Now lets eat together Dad!"
"I already ate tons of food before coming here," Nerro said with a grin. "Besides, this cake is only good for one person anyway."
"Now...Tada!!"as Nerro pulled out the gift with a cheerful grin.
"hehe you thought it'll be like last time ,but no i have a gift for you this time!"
The gift is wrapped using an old newspaper....Dad must have worked hard to get this for me.
Abby's eyes sparkled as she tore the newspaper wrapping off her gift. "Woah! Princess Amelia from the Princess x Knight show?!"
Nerro ruffled her hair. "Happy birthday, baby. You're the best thing that ever happened to me. This might not be much, but it's all I can give you."
"That's more than enough, Daddy!" Abby hugged him tight.
Nerro's thoughts drifted for a second. I wish I could give her the whole world… maybe in the next life.
After the park, Nerro returned Abby to her mom. "Take care of Princess Amelia for me," he said, kissing her forehead.
"Bye, Daddy!" Abby yelled as she ran inside.
Nerro's stomach growled. I'm starving… but at least Abby's happy.
As he walked home, something caught his eye—a slightly torn poster on a lamppost.
Job wanted: Security guard, night shift 6 PM–8 AM. 150 pesos per shift. Central Mall.
He picked it up, Perfect timing."i'll read the rest later at home"
the mall sound oddly fammiliar.