Sunoo

The sound of building blocks clanging together echoed through the small apartment room. Sitting in front of the computer, your eyes burned from searching for job openings. The anxiety about the lack of financial return weighed heavily, but just looking at the rug lessened the burden.

Sunoo was there with your daughter, who was only one year old.

"Look, my love, Daddy is going to build a really tall castle!"
he said, in the sweet voice he only used with her.

The little girl watched attentively and, as soon as the tower was finished, she gave a well-aimed slap to the base of the toy, making it all collapse. She let out a delightful giggle when Sunoo feigned dramatic shock, laying his head in her lap.

Looking at the two of them, it was impossible not to remember everything they had been through: their high school romance, the shock of the pregnancy in college, and the painful night their parents kicked them out of the house. During that difficult time, Sunoo held their hand. Even though he was young and broke, he took on the bills, bought the prenatal vitamins, and made sure they had everything they needed. He never complained.

"Hey..."
His voice cut through her thoughts. Sunoo was looking at her tenderly, holding the baby who was trying to bite a piece of plastic.
"You've been staring at the screen for a long time. Did you find anything?"

"Nothing yet"
You sighed.
"Only automated responses. I really wanted to get something done quickly to help you with this month's debts, Sunoo... You're overwhelmed."

Sunoo used his daughter's tiny feet to help her walk through the air to her chair.

"Look at me"
He asked politely.
"We're doing well. Look at her, look at us. Money might be tight and bills might be piling up, but we'll manage. I always manage for you. Don't put so much pressure on yourself, your job will come at the right time."

The baby let out a loud babble, as if in agreement, and stretched her little arms out towards him.