Shadow

The moment I opened the door the smell of the food in the room hits my nose. 

'Daddy!' Troy was standing in front of the foyer. He pulled me inside by the wrist. 

'Monkey! What are you doing up so late? Don't you have school tomorrow?'

'I was waiting for you. Papa is cooking dinner.'

'Still cooking dinner? Then you must be starving?'

'Nope. I ate snacks in the evening.'

'Good boy.'

After meeting Leo at the bookstore I didn't come home straight. I went to buy a new phone. It's nothing fancy. Just with some basic functions and a new number.

Earth called me, messaged me numerous times but I didn't bother to reply. 

'You're home?' Earth walked out from the kitchen wearing a blue apron looking especially anxious. I averted my gaze and looked at Boo.

'Here. I bought some chocolates for you.'

'Oooo! My favourite!' Troy took the box and gave me a kiss.

'Don't eat them all at once.'

'Can I have one now?'

'Quickly go and wash up, dinner is almost ready. And you, don't eat chocolate before dinner. Have it after. Okay? Now go and put them away.'

Troy looked at me pouting but listened anyway.

'We are having hotpot today. I added lots of shrimp for you. Go and change first. Or do you want to eat now?' Earth asked while setting the table.

'Troy is not here. We don't have to pretend.' I am tired of this.

'I never pretended. Not now not ever. It's you who draw some boundaries. I am still the same, New. I am still the same.' His face was gloomy.

'Whatever. I am not hungry. I am going to work in the study. Don't disturb me.'

'What do you mean you are not hungry! New! Don't ignore me!' 

I silently went to the study and closed the door behind me. I am dog tired and not in the mood for arguing.

'New!' Earth loudly knocked on the door.

'Make sure Troy eat well. Don't forget about our deal.' I know he can hear me clearly.

'Why are you doing this? Talk to me New.' His voice is pleading now.

'Why is daddy angry Papa?' I heard Troy's voice and my heart trembled. He is the only light in this neverending darkness which is my life now.

'Ask him yourself.'

'Daddy? Open the door please.' 

I hate Earth for using Troy like a prop to gain my attention! But at the same time knowing full well that I can't avoid Troy's plea I finally regained my composure and opened the door.

'You two are giving me a headache you know? I have so much work to do and you are dancing on my head.' I picked up Troy and gave him a slobbering kiss.

'I already ate dinner at the office with my colleagues. But if you insist then I can have a bite of this delicious looking dessert.' I pretended to bite Troy's chubby Cheek.

'Papa help, daddy is trying to bite me.' He giggled. The sound I love to hear.

'Oi oi, don't eat our boy. I'll give you a cake instead.' Earth took him from my arm. A perfect act of harmony and happiness….. My eyes were itching.