The sun rose softly over the small wooden house, filling the room with warmth and the smell of fresh morning air.
Kiaan, now nearly 18 months old, was full of energy. His little feet had grown strong, and today, Mi‑un had decided it was time to let him explore more freely. She watched him carefully, her heart pounding with anticipation.
"Alright… let's try it today," she whispered, kneeling on the floor. "Come on, Kiaan… you can do it."
The baby looked at her with wide, bright eyes, wobbling on his tiny feet. And then, slowly… he took one step.
Mi‑un held her breath, watching him teeter forward, then back, then forward again.
"Yesss! That's it! Good job, Kiaan!" she cheered, clapping her hands. The baby giggled, wobbling, then stumbled and fell into her arms.
Mi‑un laughed, holding him tight. "You're amazing… my little fighter."
And then, as if to make the moment even more unforgettable, Kiaan babbled clearly for the first time.
"Dad…"
Mi‑un froze. Her tears welled up instantly.
"Did you just…?" she whispered, clutching him to her chest. "You said… Dad?"
The baby giggled again, patting her cheek, unaware of the weight of the word. But for Mi‑un, it was as if MK's presence had whispered through him, a tiny echo of love reaching across time.
---
Later that morning, Mi‑un carried Kiaan outside. The small village was beginning to stir. Neighbors glanced curiously as the little boy toddled forward, laughing and exploring the dusty path with determination.
"Look at him go!" a woman called from a nearby house. "He's fearless!"
Mi‑un smiled, keeping a careful watch but allowing him a little freedom. Kiaan stumbled, fell on the soft grass, and immediately got up again, clapping his hands in triumph.
Children from nearby houses gathered, curious about the new little visitor. Some offered tiny toys; others simply watched in awe as Kiaan explored with boundless energy.
"Your turn!" Mi‑un laughed, joining him on the grass, letting him pull her toward the colorful leaves and flowers scattered around.
The morning passed in a flurry of tiny steps, giggles, and shared smiles. Kiaan's first words and first steps became a celebration not just for Mi‑un, but for the small community that had begun to embrace them.
---
That evening, as the sun dipped low and the shadows stretched long across the wooden floor, Mi‑un tucked Kiaan into his tiny cradle. She kissed his forehead softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from his eyes.
"You did it today… you walked, you spoke…" she whispered, tears slipping down her cheeks. "And you said… Dad."
She pressed her cheek to his, breathing in the warmth and life of him.
"MK… you're gone, but look at him. Your little boy… he's alive. He's growing. And I promise… I'll raise him with all the love I have."
Outside, the wind rustled through the trees, carrying with it the faintest sense of hope, a quiet echo of laug
hter, and the promise of many more firsts to come.