Bab 76: Dolphins
The sun shone brilliantly, casting its warm golden light on the city streets. Kenta, Yor, and their young daughter, Anya, decided that it was a perfect day to venture out as a family. They had been so caught up in their individual worlds that spending quality family time had become a rarity.
Anya, with her youthful enthusiasm, had been clamoring for a day out, especially after being cooped up for so long. Her lively chatter filled their home as she spoke of the many places she wished to visit.
"How about the aquarium?" Anya suggested, her eyes gleaming with excitement, "I've always wanted to see the giant turtles and colorful fish!"
Yor, always protective and caring, considered it for a moment, "That sounds lovely, but let's also make sure to visit the park. The fresh air would do us all some good."
Kenta, although usually appearing stoic, had a soft spot for his family. "And maybe we can end the day with ice cream?" he proposed with a smirk, knowing full well that it was Anya's favorite treat.
As the trio ventured out, the city seemed to come alive around them. The laughter of children echoed in the parks, street performers captivated audiences with their acts, and the tantalizing aroma of street food wafted through the air.
At the aquarium, Anya's face lit up with wonder as she watched the marine life glide gracefully through the water. Yor captured the precious moments on her camera, and Kenta, usually so reserved, couldn't help but smile at their daughter's awe-stricken expressions.
As the trio stood in front of the enormous glass pane at the aquarium, watching the marine life swim gracefully, a particularly playful dolphin caught Anya's attention. Its sleek body shimmered under the water lights, its intelligent eyes twinkling as it performed an aerial flip.
Anya's eyes widened in pure amazement. "Mama, look!" she exclaimed, pointing excitedly. "That dolphin is like a shiny, happy fish-bird!"
Yor chuckled softly at her daughter's imaginative description. "Yes, darling, it's very beautiful," she replied, bending down to Anya's level. "Did you know dolphins are known to be very smart and friendly? They love to play and communicate with each other, just like how you play with your friends."
Anya's face lit up with a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling with childish wonder. "So, they're like... water best friends?" she asked innocently, tilting her head in curiosity.
Yor nodded, stifling a laugh. "Exactly, sweetheart. Water best friends."
While Yor and Anya were lost in their shared moment of aquatic wonder, Kenta, usually stoic and reserved, suddenly blurted out, "You know, if I were a dolphin, I'd challenge the leader for dominance and rule the aquarium!"
The playful atmosphere came to a sudden halt. Yor and Anya turned their heads slowly, their expressions a mix of shock and confusion. They stared at Kenta, both mouths agape, as if seeing him for the first time.
Anya, with her characteristic innocence, broke the silence, "Daddy, did you just... make a joke?"
Yor blinked in disbelief, "Kenta, was that... humor? From you?"
Kenta straightened up dramatically, feigning surprise as he looked around with exaggerated confusion. "Kenta? Who's Kenta? I don't see him anywhere! Maybe he's swimming with the 'water best friends'?" He then spun around in mock search, clearly playing along with the theatrical moment.
As the trio continued to laugh, engrossed in their playful banter, a sudden loud splash echoed through the aquarium. Startled, they turned toward the massive water tank. Water cascaded down the sides of the glass, and visitors nearby were drenched. But what caught their attention wasn't the water—it was the cause of the splash.
A large manta ray, previously gliding gracefully in its enclosure, had leapt upwards, its wings slapping the water's surface in a peculiar manner. Aquarium staff quickly rushed over, murmurs of confusion spreading among them. This wasn't normal behavior for the creature.
A hush fell over the crowd as the PA system crackled to life. "Dear visitors, we apologize for the sudden disruption. Please remain calm as our team addresses the situation."
Kenta, Yor, and Anya exchanged puzzled looks. "I've visited aquariums all my life," Kenta whispered, "but I've never seen anything like this."
Before they could further discuss the unusual event, an aquarium staff member approached them, recognition flashing in her eyes. "Excuse me, sir," she addressed Kenta, "We've identified you from your research work on marine behavior. We're a bit overwhelmed and could use your expertise. Would you mind assisting?"
Kenta, taken aback, hesitated for a moment. Anya, her eyes wide with curiosity and excitement, tugged at his sleeve, "Daddy, you have to help the fishy!"
Yor nodded in agreement, her expression serious yet supportive. "Go on, Kenta. We'll be right here."
The sudden, unexpected turn of events in the aquarium brought out a different side of Kenta. Whereas Yor's concern was easily palpable and Anya's youthful excitement shone through, Kenta's demeanor remained cold and neutral.
When the aquarium staff approached him for assistance, his response was devoid of emotion. "If it is necessary, we'll assist," he said flatly, without breaking eye contact.
As they delved deeper into the facility, Yor tried to engage with Kenta, her voice laced with concern. "Kenta, are you sure about this? It might not be safe for Anya."
Kenta, without turning, responded in his usual cold tone, "She will learn. Life doesn't offer protection; it offers lessons. She'll be fine."
In the observation room, his approach was methodical and detached. "Yor," he instructed in his neutral voice, "handle the water samples. Ensure the parameters are within the norms. Anya, observe the tanks. If you see any anomalies, report them."
Anya, trying to break through her father's icy exterior, tugged on his sleeve and pointed at the manta ray, "Daddy, do you think he's sad?"
Kenta glanced at the creature and then down at his daughter. "It's not about emotions, Anya. It's about patterns and irregularities."
Despite his cold demeanor, Kenta's analytical skills were unmatched. He quickly deduced the potential causes, guiding the team with precision.
As the trio headed home, the dim city lights illuminated their path. The day had been eventful, and Anya's excitement was evident in her animated chatter about the marine animals and their adventure at the aquarium. Yor listened intently, her eyes occasionally flitting towards Kenta, anticipating his reaction.
After a while, Kenta stopped and turned to Anya, his expression neutral, his voice steady. "Anya," he began, his tone gentle yet firm, "I want you to understand something."
Anya looked up, her innocent eyes meeting his.
"While I deeply love you, I won't sugarcoat the world for you. Life isn't a fairy tale. There will be challenges, struggles, and disappointments. I want you to be prepared, to be mentally strong."
Anya tilted her head, processing his words. Yor placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, giving her daughter a slight squeeze.
Kenta continued, "I won't shield you from every obstacle because that won't help you grow. Instead, I'll ensure you have the tools and knowledge to face those challenges head-on."
Anya, taking a moment to understand, nodded slowly, "You mean, like how we found out what was bothering the dolphin today?"
Kenta, a hint of a smile touching his lips, replied, "Exactly. Today was just one of many lessons. And while I may seem cold or distant at times, know that it's my way of preparing you for the world. Always remember, strength doesn't come from what you can do; it comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't."
Yor, recognizing the profound moment between father and daughter, added, "And remember, Anya, no matter how tough things get, we're always here for you."
Anya, feeling the weight of their words but also the warmth of their love, hugged both her parents tightly. "I understand, Daddy. I'll be strong, just like you."
After their profound moment with Anya, Yor found herself reflecting on the day's events and the role Kenta had played, not just today, but every day in shaping their daughter's character. She recognized that while Kenta often presented a cold and stoic exterior, his actions were always rooted in a desire to prepare Anya for the world.
Waiting for a moment when Anya was safely playing in her room, Yor gently took Kenta's hand and pulled him to the side, away from prying eyes and curious ears.
"Kenta," she began, her voice soft and filled with gratitude, "I wanted to take a moment to thank you."
He raised an eyebrow, curiosity evident in his eyes. "For?"
"For being such an incredible father to Anya," she responded, her eyes glistening with emotion. "I see the way you teach her, how you always push her to be her best self. I know you often say you hate doing laborious work, and yet, when it comes to her, you never shy away from the hard conversations, the difficult lessons."
Kenta looked away, slightly uncomfortable with the praise. His stoicism was a shield, a defense against a world that often demanded vulnerability. But with Yor, that shield weakened just a bit.
"It's not labor when it's for her," he replied quietly. "I want her to be prepared, to be strong. That's the least I can do as her father."
Yor smiled gently, squeezing his hand, "And you do it brilliantly. I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate it, and how much I love you for it."
Kenta, for once, allowed himself a small smile, the warmth in Yor's words melting away some of his ever-present reserve. "Thank you, Yor," he whispered, pulling her into a gentle embrace, "It means everything to me."
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone