A FATHER’S GAZE

“Oh, Garp, you’re back early today,” my mom said as I walked in.

“Yeah, I took the day off from the club,” I replied with a nod before heading straight to my room and closing the door behind me.

Ever since I started the cooking club, I’d been busy experimenting with all sorts of new dishes. But today, I finally had some free time to relax. It was the perfect moment to try out another one of Grandpa’s MT chips.

“Papa, wakey wakey!” a cheerful voice chirped. I blinked my eyes open, only to see a little girl with brown skin and short black hair giggling as she clung to my legs. “You’ll be late for work,” she said with a playful grin. She looked about four or five years old. But, more than that, she looked adorable.

Ah, so this time, I’ve received the memories of a father, I realized.

My head moved on its own as I took in the world around me through her father’s eyes. The house seemed like any typical home from the 21st century, except for the cracks running along the walls and the broken plaster on the ceiling. Water dripped steadily from the damaged spot into a bucket placed below, creating a rhythmic sound that filled the room.

The only thing brightening this gloomy place was the little girl’s radiant smile. I felt her messy hair beneath the father’s palm as he ruffled it gently and said, “Morning, my little princess.”

He stretched and sat up, but I could feel his muscles were tired and sore, suggesting he was still physically exhausted. Rising from the bed, he changed into what I assumed was his work uniform. Though torn in a few places, he had kept it clean. I could feel his hunger as the father opened a refrigerator that barely seemed to function. Inside, there was only a single apple.

His gaze shifted to his daughter who was now playing with a torn stuffed white rabbit. Half of the cotton spilled out, yet she held it close with care.

“Mimi, have you had breakfast?” he asked.

She avoided his eyes and mumbled, “Yes.” But a loud growl from her stomach betrayed her. The father chuckled softly, cutting the apple in half.

“Here, take this,” he said, handing her one half. She accepted it with a shy smile as he walked to another room. Opening the door, I saw through his eyes a small but tidy space. In the center was an old, broken bed. On it lay a woman staring blankly at the ceiling, her face was pale and her eyes were heavy with sadness. A damp handkerchief rested on her forehead.

“Kaito, you shouldn’t be here,” she murmured weakly, trying to sit up.

Kaito quickly moved to her side, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. “No need to get up, honey. Take it easy,” he said softly, feeding her the other half of the apple.

“It’s a viral infection. You shouldn’t—” she began, but Kaito interrupted her with a tender kiss on her forehead.

“Don’t worry,” he said with a warm smile, his voice steady and reassuring. “Your husband’s strong. Today’s payday, and I’ll get your medicine. Before you know it, you’ll be back to your old self.”

The woman blushed faintly and returned a small, fragile smile. “Take care, honey,” she whispered as he stood to leave.

“Mimi, I’m heading to work. Take care of Mama for me, okay?” he called to his daughter. She nodded enthusiastically, and he patted her head before slipping on his worn, uncomfortable shoes. I could feel how they pinched his feet, but he didn’t seem to mind.

Grabbing an old umbrella, he struggled to open it properly. The fabric was tattered, the metal joints creaked, but it was the only thing that could shield him from the pouring rain outside. As he stepped outside and began his walk to work, the smile on his face faded away with every step he took.

On the way, he paused briefly in front of a store. His eyes landed on a rabbit plush displayed near the glass window. It looked similar to the one Mimi had, but this one was bigger and better. Its soft ears flopped to the sides, and a bright red ribbon was tied neatly around its neck.

For a moment, he just stood there, the rain falling heavily behind him. Then, with a small shake of his head, he turned and continued on his way.

Kaito stepped into a factory that seemed like a relic from the old era. The sight surprised me. I hadn’t expected so many people to work in such conditions back then. In the 31st century, factories are run entirely by AI and machines. But here, people bustled around, and the air was thick with pollution and grime.

The shift was grueling. The machines roared with deafening noise, and the hours stretched endlessly. Yet, Kaito didn’t complain. Despite his tired body and empty stomach, he worked diligently. I noticed how well-loved he was among his peers. Smiles, nods, and friendly pats on the back followed him throughout the day.

When the supervisor handed him an envelope, Kaito clenched it tightly, exhaling a relieved sigh.

His shift finally ended, and he was about to head home when a voice called out. “Kaito! Hold up!”

He turned to see Yuu, a fellow worker, waving frantically. “Can you help me out for a second? The pressure valve’s acting up again.”

Kaito hesitated, glancing at the cracked screen of his phone to check the time. But the desperate look on Yuu’s face made him sigh. “All right, let’s make it quick.”

One moment, Kaito was tightening a bolt. The next, a fiery explosion erupted at the other end of the factory. Flames spread rapidly, consuming everything in their path.

Kaito ran, struggling through the chaos, heat, and smoke. The inferno roared around him, and his strength waned with every step. “Mimi... Hana…” he whispered before his scream was lost to the fire.

With a jolt, I yanked the memory chip out of my head. My heart pounded as I gasped for air, sweat and tears mixing on my face. “That was horrible,” I muttered, gulping down water to steady myself. For a brief moment, I wished my grandfather was alive, just so I could kill him again for leaving behind such a terrifying memory transplant chip.

As I calmed down, my thoughts lingered on Kaito and his family. They weren’t rich, but their home was filled with love and peace. Even in their struggles, they found small joys. But now, I didn’t want to imagine what would become of Mimi and Hana. The thought weighed heavily on my chest.

[Nine hours after Kaito left for work]

At home, Mimi waited by the window, right beside her sick mother who was coughing and struggling with her health. Her tiny hands pressed against the glass. "Mama, Papa’s taking a long time."

Hana glanced at the clock, her unease was growing, but she smiled softly, keeping her worry hidden. "He’ll be home soon, sweetie. He must be buying some medicines. He always comes back. Don’t worry.”

CHAPTER 9 END