Dhiren was standing out on the back porch of their cabin, looking out over the rows of vines cascading down the hill. The pitter patter of tiny footsteps behind him grew louder until small hands were grabbing at his pants leg. He glanced down to his right to see the tiny tot staring up at him. Big smile on her face, head full of tiny coils bouncing as she jumped with arms stretched to the sky. Baba she called out, hands reaching, waiting for him to acknowledge her. Dhiren pretends not to see her, looks back toward the sunset with a growing smirk on his face. A small whine leaves her lips as she repeats Baba again. He grins as he reaches out a hand to the frustrated little one before tears began to fall. Nestled firmly in his arm, Caliyah squeezes his cheeks with all her might. Baba she spoke again as he leans in and kisses her nose. Baba’s here Liya, he speaks softly, as they traverse the stairs and walk into the vineyard.
