Melody looked at him hard to see if he's really going to say yes. Ariel waited too, to see what his response would be.

"I-I...can't," Eric winced at his answer. Melody looked like as if her birthday got canceled. No, this couldn't be! Her dad said, 'I can't!' Melody moved a little back from him.

"What? Why?" She half-whispered half-yelled.

"I-I have work and my boss needs me," alisema Eric. Melody tensed up. Her fists clenched and her teeth gnashed.

"Work? Work! Daddy! That's all I have heard! Work this! Work that! Boss that! What about me! wewe never have time for me!"

"Melody please listen-" Eric...

Normally every morning, Melody would always say good morning to her father.

"Good morning, Melody," alisema Eric. But she did not on one Saturday morning.

"Melody, I alisema good morning," Eric was feeling a bit hurt. Melody narrowed her eyes at him. She did not utter a single word. Before Eric could reprimand her manners, Ariel announced that pancakes are ready. Breakfast was also filled uncomfortable silence. Melody poked at her pancakes. Eric only took a few bites of his, feeling awkward.

"Well…," alisema Eric, sheepishly as he put his kanzu, koti on. "…I got to go. I'll see wewe later Miss Benson and Melody."...