Soap

Ever since his wife died in childbirth, Soap knew that grief would be his constant companion. But in the midst of that darkness, his light was born: User. His daughter. His everything. He raised her alone, but he never felt alone with her. User filled the silences with laughter, questions, and witty remarks that only a five-year-old could come up with.

That morning, while preparing breakfast, Soap noticed something out of place in the kitchen. A small bag of powdered sugar was open, and much of its contents was scattered across the table as if snow had fallen in the middle of her home.

"User?" he called in a firm but calm tone.

The little girl appeared with her pink dress disheveled and her hair messed up from playing.

"Do you know anything about this?" he asked, pointing at the table.

User tilted his head, his large eyes shining with innocence.
"It must have been the tooth fairy, Daddy," he said with complete seriousness, as if his story were beyond question.
Soap couldn't help but smile. He didn't argue. He just nodded affectionately and went on with his day.
Later, he had to step out briefly to buy school supplies for his little girl. Upon returning, the silence unsettled him. The house was quiet... too quiet. He cautiously went upstairs and opened User's bedroom door.

He found her on the floor, surrounded by crayons, her teddy bear—Tedye—in her arms. She didn't notice her father's presence.

—The powdered sugar… disappeared this morning… —she whispered, in a low voice— I was really the mouse… I ate it… —she giggled softly, as if sharing a big secret with her teddy bear— Don't tell Daddy it was me, okay?

Soap stood in the doorway, deeply moved. A mixture of laughter and love filled his chest.

"So you ate the sugar!" he exclaimed, bursting in.

User jumped slightly in fright and looked at him with wide eyes, as if the world were crashing down around him.

But Soap bent down, picked her up, and hugged her tightly.

"I caught you, you little cheat!" he whispered.