Parting Gift

Song Yujin did not have a clingy personality. Every time Song Ci went to work, he would not cry or hug her, saying he could not bear to part with her. However, that did not mean he would not miss Song Ci. He would think about when she would come back, and whether or not she missed him. It was just that he never liked talking about these things. Only when Song Ci asked him would he act hesitant and refuse to tell the truth. It seemed he did not have any emotions when the other party left.

Song Ci lowered her head and saw Song Yujin’s eyes and brows lower as if he was thinking about something. She touched Song Yujin’s head and said gently, “In two years, when my job stabilizes, I won’t be as busy as I am now and be able to keep you company.”

Song Yujin looked up but did not say a word. While his eyes were clear, there was a little doubt in them, which Song Ci caught.

Song Ci reached out and pulled him into her arms. She continued, “It’s not like I want to be away from you guys for so long, but I don’t have a choice. Just like how you guys have to go to school, adults have to go to work. It’s a must.”

Song Yujin nodded. Of course, he understood this. It was why he could calmly accept Song Ci’s departure every time. However, he would also like to think that when he grew up, perhaps Song Ci would no longer need to work. Since there was a day when children finished school, there must be a day when adults did not have to work anymore, too, right?

Then, Song Ci would be able to stay at home, and they would be able to see her every day. Song Yujin leaned on Song Ci, thinking to himself, ‘I need to grow faster.’

At night, after Song Ci finished bathing him and was about to return to his room, Song Yujin suddenly asked, “Where’s your key?”

Song Ci was a little confused. “What key?”

“The key to the house.”

“In my room.”

“Let me take a look,” Song Yujin said.

Song Ci was even more confused. However, she always doted on Song Yujin. If Song Yujin wanted to look at the stars now, she would go out and buy a telescope overnight, let alone a key. Thinking of this, she felt that she should buy a telescope for Song Yujin. After all, Song Yujin was a child with a great thirst for knowledge. When he grew up, he might be interested in astronomy. Therefore, she should just buy these small toys for him.

As Song Ci turned around and went back to her room to get the key, she was still searching for a telescope.

Song Yujin took out a golden dragon charm from the drawer. The charm was in the style of a keychain, which he had bought a few days ago at a store near the school.

Song Ci quickly returned with the key and handed it to Song Yujin.

Song Yujin took it and looked at Song Ci, saying, “Turn around first.”

Song Ci could only do as he said while continuing to search for the telescope.

When Song Yujin saw that Song Ci was not peeking, he carefully hung the dragon. Although he could not keep Song Ci company all the time, the dragon could. This way, Song Ci would think of him when she saw it. Once he added it, he clutched the key and said to Song Ci, “Alright. You can turn around now.”

Song Ci turned around with a faint smile in her eyes. “What are you doing? You’re acting so mysterious.”

“Hold out your hand,” Song Yujin said.

Song Ci extended her hand.

Song Yujin placed the key back in her hand, then turned around, pulled the blanket away, and lay down. He did not mention what he had just done, only saying, “I’m going to sleep. Turn off the lights for me when you leave, please.”

Song Ci looked at the cute little dragon that had appeared on her key, then at the cute baby hiding under the blanket. She walked over to Song Yujin’s bed, bent down, and whispered gently in his ear, “You can’t bear to part with me?”

Song Yujin closed his eyes and did not say anything.

Song Ci smiled and kissed his peeking face. “I know you can’t bear to part with me, and I know you miss me. Even though you don’t say anything out loud, in reality, you want me to stay at home so you can see me every day.” She gently touched Song Yujin’s hair. “Believe me, that day will come. When it does, mommy will work hard so that in the future, I can accompany you every day.”

When Song Yujin heard this, he opened his eyes slightly and said, “You don’t have to work so hard. I will work hard too.”

‘Let’s work hard,’ he thought to himself. That way, Song Ci would not have to work too hard, just like Mother did back then and had to leave…

Song Ci touched his forehead before carefully apologizing to Song Yujin. “Next year, I definitely won’t be as busy as this year. You’re still young, and I shouldn’t have arranged so much work for myself. I haven’t been home for a few months, and although you get along well with your father and Little Suo, I can’t miss out on your growth just because of work. Next year, I promise not to be so busy …”