Chapter 25- He knew
" Dad!" Delilah yelped, when did he enter?
" Is there something you want to tell me… or maybe ask me?" he asked with a comforting smile. He knew she'll come across this box in due time, but he never expected it to be now, heartbreak flashed across Chen Xiao's eyes.
Delilah's grip on the camera tightened, she contemplated whether to ask her dad about this, but she couldn't, he just recovered so she'll keep it to herself for the moment.
Delilah shook her head with a forced smile," Not really dad, I'm fine", she hugged him and buried her head in his chest, Chen Xiao reciprocated the hug.
Warmth covered her and her tensed body calmed, "I love you dad", her voice sounds muffled, but Chen Xiao heard it and his arms around her tightened.
*****
Leaving the attic with her father and the box in her hands, Delilah took a long look at the room one more time before switching off the lights.
As they climb down the stairs, Delilah spoke,
"Dad…", she called out softly, she was in thoughts again.
" What is it Lila?", he responded.
Delilah stopped at her tracks and stood before him, she raised her index finger," Make sure you don't get ill again cause if you do, I will….", she warned, but Chen Xiao interrupted immediately.
" Don't worry, I won't", he ruffles her hair softly and fondly.
Delilah's head was downcast, her eyes teared up, "Dad, I mean it", she mumbled.
"Lila, it is alright, I won't get sick", said Chen Xiao.
" Promise?"
" Promise!"
Chen Xiao kissed her on the forehead. Delilah cried and laughed at the same time, she nodded.
" Come on, don't be such a crybaby", Chen Xiao cleaned her tears.
" You made me this way", Delilah refuted.
" Let's go, shall we?" Chen Xiao chuckled. Delilah nodded, and they continue to climb down the stairs.
The duo arrived in the living room where Old madam Chen and housekeeper Tang Yu were.
" Are you ready?", not turning her gaze from the scarf she was knitting, Old madam Chen inquired.
" Yes gran….", Delilah suddenly began to look around, in search for something.
"What is it?" Chen Xiao probed.
" Where is….", before Delilah completed her sentence, her little furry friend ran down the stairs.
" Oh there is it", she gave the box in her arms to her father, squatted with her arms stretch open and the little furry fella ran into her arms.