Title: “Subi’s Special Bond: The Milky Connection with Dad”
Subi has always taken her cues from her father when it comes to milk. At just six years old, she has developed a strong association between the simple act of drinking milk and the comforting presence of her dad. Every morning without fail, Subi skips cheerfully into the kitchen, her ponytails bouncing, to find her dad already at the table, waiting with a warm smile and a cool glass of milk.
The ritual is almost sacred for them. It is a moment that transcends the mere act of nourishing the body; it forms a bridge of connection. Subi looks up to her father as a superhero dressed in casual clothes — the one who helps her climb the highest jungle gym, who tells her bedtime stories, and most importantly, her biggest supporter. The morning milk routine is a ritual that strengthens this bond.
However, on days when her dad is busy or away, Subi often struggles to drink milk on her own. This isn’t because she doesn’t like it; rather, it highlights a deeper dependency on the comforting presence of her father. The clinking sound of the glass resonates through the kitchen, echoing memories of laughter, and she often finds herself looking around, half-expecting to see her dad join her at the table. When he is not there, the glass seems empty, despite being full to the brim with her favorite drink.
Subi often finds herself asking, “Can we save this for when Dad returns?” The thought of enjoying that glass of milk alone feels foreign and a little daunting. It reminds her of times when they have enjoyed their favorite cookies together, dipped lovingly into the cool, creamy goodness. Without her dad, those cookie-and-milk moments feel incomplete.
Her mother, noticing her resistance, tries to fill the void. She prepares the same milk, arranges the same cookies, and even recreates the little ritual that Subi cherishes. But it doesn’t seem to work. No amount of chocolate syrup can make it feel as special. Subi often asks, “Can you pretend to be Dad for just a minute?” Her mom chuckles and does her best to engage, but the magic ingredient — the undeniable bond between father and daughter — is missing.
It breaks her mother’s heart to see Subi struggle with this dependency. She begins to understand that this relationship goes beyond just milk; it’s about feeling secure and loved in the presence of a parent. Therefore, she gently encourages Subi to take small steps towards independence.
“Why don’t you drink your milk in the living room and watch your favorite show while you’re at it?” her mother suggests one day. The idea intrigues Subi; watching her beloved cartoons might just help the milk slide down more easily.
After a few trials, Subi discovers a newfound courage. She sits in her cozy spot on the couch, cradling the glass filled with milk, and takes a tentative sip. To her surprise, the taste is still the same, even without her dad around. Though she misses his presence, she begins to find comfort in the familiar flavors, rediscovering her independence, one glass of milk at a time.
The experience teaches Subi an important lesson: while love can manifest in countless ways, the memories they create will always remain, even when he’s not right beside her. The path of childhood is paved with moments like these, ones that shape the heart and teach resilience. And who knows, maybe one day, she might find another glass filled with milky memories, this time her own.
