The Earlier Years

Sixteen years ago...

"Mommy?" 

Aisha looked up from her book. She leaned sideways to gaze at the doorway. "What is it, sweetheart?" She asked, standing and ushering the child inside.

"Where did Daddy go?" the child asked while running up to her mother. Aisha hugged the small girl.

"Daddy went to get Mommy some medicine," she hesitated. "Mommy isn't feeling well, and Daddy wanted to help!" The child gazed up with worried eyes. She put her hand on Aisha's forehead.

"Do you have a fever?" She squeaked. Aisha laughed while hugging her.

"No, sweetie!" she giggled. I don't have a fever, but thank you for checking. You are such a kind girl." She gazed lovingly down at the young girl sitting in her lap and hugged her.

"Daddy said the same thing earlier!" The kid cried with delight. "I'm kind!" She clapped Sixteen years ago...

"Of course he did!" Aisha said while poking her nose. "He only tells you the truth!" 

"Yeah!"

"Saki?"

The child, Saki, looked up at her mother.

"Yes?"

Aisha took in a deep breath. Before she could say anything, Sataru entered the room.

"Sweetie! I got your medicine!" He cried before stopping himself. His gaze trailed from Aisha to Saki.

"Saki, sweetie!" He said after a moment. "Why aren't you in bed?" He glanced nervously at Aisha.

"I couldn't sleep." She shrugged. "Mommy said you were getting her medicine, is that true?" She climbed off her mother's lap and ran over to hug her father.

"Yeah," He said. He gave Aisha a worried look. "Mommy isn't feeling well, so I had to get her some things to help!" He handed Aisha's medicine to her.

"Alright," Aisha said while picking up Saki and passing her to Sataru. "Off to bed you go!" She gave her a quick kiss on the head before watching them leave.

Once they were out of the room, she broke out into a coughing fit. Sataru ran into the room and knelt beside her.

"Breathe..." He said while rubbing her back. "Take your medicine, sleep, and feel better." He hugged her as they sat in silence.

"Sataru," Aisha whispered, breaking the silence. She looked up, smiling sadly at him. "I won't make it to see her grow up." Tears began to well up in her eyes. "So, once I'm gone..." She grabbed his hands.

"Tell my baby happy birthday."