The room fell unusually quiet the moment Cubis overheard the conversation. At first, he didn’t fully understand the words, but he recognized the tone—low, serious, and heavy with concern. When he heard Luk’s name, Cubis froze. His playful energy vanished, replaced by a look that no one had ever seen on him before.
Cubis slowly climbed down from his favorite spot and moved closer, his eyes searching every face in the room. Normally, he would tug at sleeves or make silly sounds to get attention, but this time he stayed silent. His small hands clenched together as if trying to hold himself steady. When the bad news became clear—that Luk was hurt and needed help—Cubis let out a soft, shaky sound from his throat.
He paced back and forth, unable to sit still. Every few steps, he stopped and looked toward the door, as if expecting Luk to suddenly appear and prove that everything was fine. When no one came, Cubis’s worry deepened. He rubbed his face with both hands, a habit he only showed when he was truly upset.
Mom noticed first. She knelt beside Cubis and gently touched his shoulder, whispering reassuring words. Cubis leaned into her, but his eyes never stopped searching. He picked up Luk’s favorite toy and hugged it tightly to his chest, rocking back and forth. It was his quiet way of saying he was scared.
As time passed, Cubis refused to play or eat. He sat by the window, watching the road outside, his expression filled with concern far beyond his years. Every passing sound made him flinch. His worry was impossible to hide now; it sat plainly on his face and in his trembling hands.
But even in his fear, Cubis showed love. He gathered small items—fruit, a blanket, and the toy—and placed them near the door, as if preparing for Luk’s return. It was his hopeful promise that he would be ready.
Though Cubis couldn’t fully understand the situation, his heart did. The bad news had shaken him deeply, but beneath the worry was strong love and faith. And as he waited, Cubis held onto one simple hope—that Luk would come back safe, and the smiles would return once again. 💔
