quarantine (short story)

taehyung

i open my freezer, shivering at the cold air on my face. then i pout.

there's no nuggies left. what am i gonna eat for dinner tonight?

i sit on the kitchen floor, curling my knees up to my chest and sucking on my thumb. i wanna go get more nuggies, but i can't leave the house. and no one can come bring me some.

what if i never get more nuggies? and i eat all the other food? then i'll be hungry.

what if daddy is running out of food? what if daddy gets hungry?

my pout intensifies as i imagine daddy's tummy hurting. i don't like that. i don't want him to hurt.

i pick up the phone and call daddy.

"what is it, tae? i'm trying to work." he snaps.

he sounds angry and i immediately shrink. i don't like it.

"i-i-i just....want....i....nevermind." i start crying, shoulders trembling as i remain seated on my kitchen floor.

"no no, baby boy, don't cry. i'm sorry. what do you need, little one?" daddy's tone changes, becoming soft and apologetic.

"w-wanted....ask....if chu has food....cuz, cuz....don't want chu be hungry, daddy...."

"oh, tae tae." he sighs. "i'm sorry for sounding angry with you, i promise i wasn't. you're so sweet. yes, i have enough food. everything's gonna be okay. stop crying for me, okay? it makes daddy's heart hurt."

"pinkie promise?" i ask, sniffling.

"pinkie promise what?"

"chu not mad?"

"i pinkie promise." he vows. "are you going to be alright? can daddy go back to working?"

i wipe my face off with my sleeve and nod. "yes, daddy. sorry for...b-botherin' chu."

"shh, you're not a bother. don't worry. i'll talk to you when i'm done, okay?"

"okay daddy."