"Good work!"

Today's work ended early, so I took this chance to go home earlier than usual. We bid farewell to one another and went to our choice of destination. Some went together for a drink, some still stayed either to finish the rest of their work or to pack up their stuff and finally go home. I was one of the few who went straight home, missing their family.

As always, the train ride is packed with people going home from work just like me, but I guess this is something I'm used to already. When the train stopped at the station I'm going for, I stepped outside the train along with a few stranger. Likely for the same reason... going home.

The walk home was peaceful. Not quiet, but not noisy either. There were still a few house that still had their lights on and I could sometimes hear a laugh. Most likely a child still active in the night, which reminded me of Kasumi.

Ever since she was little, she had always been an active one. Always begging to go play outside at the park with her friend Hagumi, I think her name is. Now... she's still kind of the same. We don't talk to each other as much due to me getting home late, but from any chance she got, she would tell me all about her experiences. It was lovely and I still smile at her enthusiasm.

Although, ever since that day, her stories have been a bit different. Ever since she said that she heard a "Star Beat", her stories seem to have some kind of spark in it. Usually, she narrates her daily activity like she was telling a fun and exciting tale. But now, it seems like she's trying to search for something in her own stories. Something heart pounding as she calls it. And she wants to let everyone know, that while she's doing that, she's also having fun with everyone and everything around her. And it seems like she's already found what she was looking for.

A month ago, Kasumi told me that she made a band called Poppin'Party. She said that she is the singer and guitarist. That confused me since we didn't have an electric guitar, but apparently she got it from a friend of hers. What a good friend. Ever since that day, she said that they've been playing live shows in a live house and rehearsing at her friend's basement? Alright then. But it seems like not all of it are fun experiences.

There was a time when she lost her voice. I recall that it was a very bad time for her. Even Asuka who is usually a bit quiet and shy told me about this incident. I was saddened by this. I was also dissapointed at myself, since I didn't do much as her father in her time of need. Though, I didn't have to do anything in the end. She overcame her struggles with her friends and was finally able to sing again. I was proud by her growth, but also at a loss. She grew up splendidly, but also quickly. As her father, I am very worried. I couldn't see much of her growth, only hear about it. What if she grew distant from me? What if she doesn't need me anymore? Those negative thoughts filled my head even though I should be supporting her.

Time flew by while I was pondering to myself and I am finally home. It is 9 PM and I could hear chatter from inside the house. I opened the door and was greeted by my lovely wife. It seems like she already knew that I was coming home early. I don't know how she does that. I asked before, but she answered with wifely instincts. I decided to go along with that.

"Welcome back home, dear." She said

"I'm home." I replied and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Dad's home early!" Kasumi said while coming quick at me. Something that never changed

"Nee-chan don't be so loud at night. And welcome home dad." Scolded Asuka at Kasumi while also welcoming me back home. Also something that never changed.

After putting my stuff down in my room, I quickly took a bath and changed my clothes. Kasumi would nag at me for taking too long. She really wants to tell me all about her everyday life and she doesn't want to miss anything from her story. I sit down at the dining table and starts to eat my dinner. It's simple but delicious. A warm meal after a long day of work. Her cooking always puts a smile on my face.

Another thing that puts a smile on my face is none other than Kasumi's stories. While eating dinner, I'm also listening to her narration. As always, it's fun and cheerful. Her friends at school, her friends at the other school, her bandmates, the neighbors, the neighbor's cat. Everything that makes her smile, she tells me in her stories. But that brings me to my previous question. What if she grew away from me? What if she starts to grow so fast, she leaves me behind? Those thoughts, those unanswered questions of mine, it scares me. Will she be able to love me the same? Will I... be able to love her the same?

"Dad? Dad!" Kasumi screams suddenly putting my thoughts on hold. It seems I zoned out while listening to her.

"Jeez, don't zone out on me! I'm telling you a very fun and exciting story!" Says Kasumi. I chuckle and apologize to her.

...

Silence. After me zoning out, Kasumi pauses and stares at me, confusing me. This is a first. What's happening? Is there something on my face? For the second time, my thoughts are interrupted by her speaking again.

"You know dad, I'm really thankful to you."

What is this? Why is she suddenly speaking like this? The atmosphere feels different. I can't help but be silent while she is speaking.

"Everyday you leave early for work and come home late from work. And sometimes you spare time to listen to me. I'm really thankful for that. But not just that, even if we're apart, I know that you're thinking of us. Me, mom, and Asuka. And I really love you for that. Sometimes, not all things go as planned. Sometimes, my day isn't that good. But knowing that you would be thinking about me, knowing that there is still someone that supports me, it really makes me happy. It is because of that I could still be happy everyday. So thank you, dad. I love you soooo much!" Said Kasumi, ending it with a huge smile.

... I see. I see now. All my thoughts, all my previous unanswered questions, it's been answered. This whole time, I don't need to worry about a thing. I thought that she would care for her friends more, I thought that the more she grows up, the more people she would find and could replace me in her social bubble. But it seems I was wrong. It seems that the more she grows up, the more she finds people to take care of. More people to be friends with. And at the same time, the more her bubble would grow. She gives love equally to everyone inside her bubble. She won't ever leave anyone behind.

Soon after, it is very late at night. We had to stop our story time since she and Asuka got school tomorrow and me with my work. She is bothered at first since we were not done but soon succumbed to the pressure of her mother. They tucked in to their bed and quickly goes to sleep.

"Are your worries gone now?" Says my wife to me. Yet another of her wifely instincts. This whole time she knew about my troubles.

"Yeah, I'm fine now," I reply. From now on, no more worrying. When tomorrow comes, I'll work with pride. My two daughters are growing splendidly and they need someone to look up to. I can't be a good adult if I can only worry about things. I'll make sure that the two of them can smile like always. Having a fun life everyday and knowing that their father is always with them. I will protect those smile, like a father should do.