Sweet little Rika was usually cheerful — always clinging to her daddy, following him everywhere, and squeaking happily when he played with her. But today was different. Daddy had to go out to work in the garden for a while, leaving Rika inside to rest.
The moment she saw him walking away, her big round eyes filled with panic. She reached her little arms toward the door, making soft pleading sounds. “Eee! Eee! Daddy!” But Daddy was already gone.
At first, Rika sat quietly, waiting. A few minutes passed. Still, no Daddy. Her face started to scrunch up — her lips trembling, her tail flicking back and forth. Then it happened — her super temper tantrum!
She stomped her tiny feet, screamed, and rolled on the floor. “Eee! Eee! Eee!” Her cries were so loud that even the birds outside turned their heads. She threw her small blanket aside and slapped the floor, tears running down her cheeks.
Her caretaker rushed in, trying to calm her down, but Rika refused any comfort. She wanted only one thing — Daddy! Every time someone picked her up, she twisted away, looking at the door again and again, waiting for him to return.
When Daddy finally came back, Rika’s cries turned into relief. She ran straight into his arms, hugging his neck tightly and refusing to let go. He smiled softly, “Oh, my little princess, Daddy’s here.”
Rika sniffled, her anger melting away into tiny hiccups. She buried her face into Daddy’s chest, her heart finally calm again.
From that moment, Daddy promised — never to leave without saying goodbye.
