It was not a very clear memory.
But the feeling was very clear.
Aarvika was very small at that time.
She didn't understand much about the world.
It was some kind of family function.
There were many people around.
Talking, laughing, moving everywhere.
She was holding her dad's hand.
Everything felt normal.
Safe.
Then suddenly—
he stopped.
"Sit here. I'll come back," he said.
She didn't ask anything.
She just nodded.
Because she trusted him.
He made her sit on a chair.
Then he left.
At first, it felt okay.
She was just sitting there.
Looking around.
People were passing by.
But no one stopped.
No one talked to her.
After some time—
she looked at the door.
"Dad…?" she said softly.
No answer.
She waited.
Time passed.
She didn't know how much.
She kept looking at the same place again and again.
Every time the door moved—
her heart reacted.
Maybe now he will come.
But he didn't.
She started feeling uncomfortable.
"I think he will come… he said he will come…" she told herself.
But slowly—
her confidence started breaking.
Her feet were not touching the ground.
They were just hanging.
Moving a little.
She held the edge of the chair tightly.
The room felt bigger now.
And she felt smaller.
People were still there.
But she felt alone.
Very alone.
Her breathing changed.
She looked around again.
Faster this time.
"Dad…?" she called again.
This time her voice was weaker.
Still no answer.
Her eyes started filling with tears.
"I want to go home…" she thought.
But she didn't move.
Because what if—
he comes back and doesn't find her?
So she stayed.
Waiting.
Trying to be strong.
But she was just a child.
And slowly—
fear started growing inside her.
Not loud.
Not sudden.
Just quiet fear.
She wiped her tears quickly.
Looking around again.
And then—
the door opened.
She looked up immediately.
Her heart stopped for a second.
"Dad…"
This time her voice broke.
He was there.
Looking around.
Searching.
He looked a little worried.
Then his eyes found her.
And suddenly—
everything changed.
He walked fast toward her.
"Where did you go?" he asked.
But she didn't answer.
She got down from the chair and ran to him.
She held him tightly.
Very tightly.
Like she was scared to let go.
"I was looking for you," he said.
But Aarvika didn't say anything.
She just hid her face.
Even though he came back…
even though everything was fine now…
That feeling didn't go away.
Something stayed.
A small fear.
That maybe—
people can leave.
Even if it's for a little time.
And that fear…
never fully left her.