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As a single parent, Zee always prioritized spending quality time with his only daughter—Tara. No matter how busy he was, he always made sure not to leave Tara feeling lonely. Zee understood how lonely it could be to grow up without a mother figure. That’s why he was determined to fill both roles as a father and a mother, even though it wasn’t easy.
“Dad, I can’t wait to meet Elsa and Princess Ariel!” Tara squealed from the back seat. Her excitement filled the car and Zee couldn’t help but smile.
They were on their way to the amusement park, a trip she had been begging for since last month. And Tara had been brimming with enthusiasm since this morning.
“Well, don’t forget to tell them you’re also a princess, Tara.” Zee teased, glancing at her in the rearview mirror. Tara giggled. “Do you think they will let me join their castle?”
“Of course! My Tara is the prettiest princess. I’m sure they will make you their Princess.” Zee replied with a smile. His answer brought a wide smile to Tara’s face as she clutched her plush toy tightly. “Princess Tara…” She murmured, her eyes sparkling as she drifted into her own little fantasy world.
Amusement park was packed with people since today marked the start of a long holiday, but none of that could dampen Tara’s excitement for exploring the place. Her eyes sparkled as they went from ride to ride, pulling her reluctant father along for the rides. From the spinning teacups to the merry-go-round and countless other kid-friendly rides was a new experience for Tara.
Zee, on the other hand, wasn’t the biggest fan of amusement park rides. The spinning and whirling left him queasy.
But still, he never said no to his daughter’s wishes. What Tara wanted, Zee always made sure to fulfill. Even if it meant donning a cute headband that matched hers, carrying the pink princess themed bag she refused to hold, or holding a big cotton candy while she happily devoured her ice cream.
Zee didn’t mind one bit. To him, this was part of father’s duty. As long as his daughter was happy, he would do anything.
Now, they were resting at one of the food stalls, enjoying some snacks while waiting for the parade to begin. It was the highlight of their visit—the main reason they came here. Tara had been talking about it for weeks, excited to see all the Disney princesses, especially Elsa, her favorite.
“I can’t wait to meet Elsa!” Tara squealed, her legs swinging under the table. Zee smiled at her enthusiasm. “Do you think she will notice your Elsa shirt?”
Tara looked down at her glittering blue shirt, emblazoned with the ice queen’s face. “She has to! Maybe she will wave at me!”
Zee chuckled. “Then we better get a good spot so she doesn’t miss you.”
The Amusement park’s loudspeakers crackled, announcing the parade would begin shortly. The crowd around them began to shift toward the parade route. Zee stood and offered his hand to Tara. “Let’s go, Princess.” Tara’s face lit up, her eyes sparkling with joy. She took his father’s hand and skipping alongside him. They joined the crowd, securing for the best view.
Then the parade began to start. A swell of music broke through the hum of the crowd. It was bright and cheerful. The air seemed to shimmer with energy as the first float came into view, a towering glittering castle surrounded by a swirling cloud of pixie dust. On top, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse waved enthusiastically, their smiles as wide as the joy in the air.
As the parade moved forward, each float told a story. The performers in vibrant costumes twirled and leaped, their movements perfectly in sync with the music.
Tara’s eyes widened with excitement as she tugged at her dad's sleeve. “Daddy, that’s Elsa!” She pointed out a man figure with a silver hair, waving and blowing kissed to the audience.
“That’s Jack Frost, not Elsa, Baby…”
“No, Dad! That’s Elsa because he is so pretty!”
Zee couldn’t help but grin. He leaned down, kissing Tara’s head. “Well, if you say so.. then Elsa it is.”
“Elsa! Elsa! Here!”
Tara shouted trying to get the ‘Elsa’ attention as she waved wildly. The silver haired man turned gracefully, his eyes sparkling as he scanned the crowd. When his gaze landed on Tara, he blew her a kiss. “Elsa is blowing a kiss for me, Dad! Did you see that?” Tara exclaimed happily.
Zee just stunned, staring at the man his daughter had called 'Elsa'. The man was undeniably beautiful. His mesmerizing beauty was like a character straight out of a webtoon. Somehow his silver hair suited him perfectly, as if he had been born with it.
Tara, who oblivious to her father’s daze, turned back to the parade with unbridled joy, while Zee found himself stealing one last glance at the mesmerizing man who had, quite literally, enchanted them both.
“Good job for today, Nunew!” One of his co-workers called out as Nunew waved goodbye and ready to leave because his shift had ended.
Working as a part time character cosplayer at the Amusement Park had its perks. Nunew usually took the job only during the high season because the pay was relatively good. The job was short, typically only two to three hours a day. It’s perfect for him as it left plenty of time to do other things afterward.
Nunew stepped out of the employee room in his casual clothes, while still keeping his silver hair. Removing his lace wig needed a lot of efforts, so he preferred to do it at home.
As he strolled through the park, weaving his way through clusters of lingering visitors. His steps were halted as there was a little girl running and went to hug him, “Elsaaaa!”
Nunew released the hug slowly. “Hello, little girl, where are your parents?”
The little girl shook her head. “I lost my Dad. I don’t know where is he…” She said with teary eyes.
Nunew crouched and caressed the little girl’s hair. “What’s your name, Sweetheart?”
“My name is Tara.”
“Let’s go find your Dad, Tara.”
Tara only nodded while holding Nunew’s hand.
Nunew gently held Tara’s hand as he led her through the crowds. He brought Tara to the information desk. It was the quickest way to find her father since searching for him among the crowds would be nearly impossible. He was certain her father was also looking for her at that very moment.
Arriving at the desk, Nunew crouched again to Tara’s eye level and smiled reassuringly. “Okay Tara, we’re going to let them help us find your Dad, alright?”
Tara nodded. “Okay…” she whispered.
Nunew patted her head softly. “What’s your dad’s name?” Her face lighting up as she said, “My dad’s name is Zee Pruk!” Nunew nodded, impressed by her clear and confident answer. Turning to the staff at the desk, he relayed the information.
A few moments later, a clear voice echoed across the park, amplified by the speaker system. “Attention guests. We have a young girl named Tara at the information desk, looking for her father, Zee Pruk. If you are the parents, please proceed to the information desk near the main plaza. Thank you.”
Tara perked up at the announcement, her wide eyes brimming with hope. “Will Daddy come soon, Elsa?” she asked, looking up at Nunew. “He will be here in no time.” Nunew said with a warm smile, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “He’s probably running here as we speak.”
Nunew sat beside Tara on a long bench near the information desk, waiting for her father to come. He noticed her fidgeting with the straps of her pink bag.
Remembering something, Nunew reached into his own bag and pulled out a few colorful candies, giving it to her. “Do you want me to open it for you?”
Tara looked at the candy, her big eyes filled with curiosity, but she shook her head firmly. “Daddy said I can’t eat anything from strangers unless he says it’s okay.”
Nunew smiled. “Good girl. Then you can keep it and ask your dad later.” Tara nodded excitedly, her face lit up as she carefully took the candy and tucked it into her pink bag. “Okay! I will show Daddy, and he will say it’s okay because Elsa gave it to me!”
Nunew couldn’t help but laugh softly. This little girl had truly decided he was Elsa. “Elsa…” Tara began, her voice tinged with wonder. “Is living in the castle fun?”
Nunew chucked, amused by her earnest question. “But I’m not Elsa, though.” he said with a playful smile. His answer made Tara pouting. “I know you’re Elsa! Don’t lie to me.”
“Why am I Elsa?” He grinned. Tara tilted her head, looking at him as if the answer were the most obvious thing in the world. “Because you’re pretty. My dad says every beautiful person is a princess. So you’re a princess too, just like Tara.”
“Tara!” A voice of a man diverted their attention. Tara’s face lit up with joy as she hopped off the bench and running to his father, while Nunew smiling in relief as Tara reunited with her parent. “Daddy!” She exclaimed, throwing her arms around him.
Zee knelt down and hugged his daughter so tightly. His heart almost dropped when he couldn’t find Tara. It was his fault for leaving Tara alone as he went to the toilet. He thought his daughter would stay still waiting him, but a kid being a kid, he knew it was too risky to leave her alone.
“Don’t leave Daddy anymore, okay?” He murmured.
Tara just nodded in his father embrace. Then, she stared at Zee with a wide smile, “Dad! I met Elsa!”
Zee blinked, momentarily confused, “Elsa?”
“Yes!” Tara insisted, her excitement bubbling over. She squirmed out of his arms, grabbed his hand, and began tugging him toward the bench. Zee let himself be led by his daughter. When they stopped in front of a young man with striking silver hair, Zee found himself momentarily taken aback.
“Elsa, this is my Dad.” Tara announced proudly.
Nunew smiled, caressing Tara’s head gently and greeted Zee. “Hello, she crossed paths with me and I brought her here to the information desk. I’m glad you made it.” His tone was polite, almost formal.
Zee’s lips curved into a grateful smile as he extended his hand. “Thank you so much for helping her. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I couldn’t find her.”
Nunew shook his hand, his touch light but reassuring. “No problem. Tara is a good girl. She stayed calm the whole time and even followed her dad’s rules about not eating candy from strangers.”
Zee laughed softly, the tension in his shoulders finally easing. “That sounds like her.” He glanced down at Tara, who was now digging through her pink bag. “Look, Daddy! Elsa gave me candy,” Tara said proudly, holding up the brightly wrapped treat. “But I didn’t eat it! I waited for you to say it’s okay.”
Zee’s heart swelled with pride and gratitude as he ruffled her hair. “Good job, princess. You can have it now.” Tara beamed and turned to Nunew, who smiled back at her before turning his attention to Zee.
“Then, I hope you can enjoy the rest day.”
As Nunew took a step back, ready to leave, Tara’s small arms suddenly wrapped around him tightly. “No! I still want to be with Elsa. Please don’t go!” She pleaded while Nunew and Zee exchanged glances awkwardly.
“Tara… sweetheart,” Zee said gently, kneeling beside her and trying to loosen her grip. “You shouldn’t do that. Elsa...uh, I mean, he has something to do.”
But Tara only tightened her hug even more. “No! I don’t want to be separated with Elsa. I want to be with Elsa, Daddy!”
Nunew blinked in surprise, his lips parting in a soft laugh. “Oh my… what to do...” He murmured, glancing at Zee, who looked both apologetic and flustered. “I’m so sorry,” Zee said, rubbing the back of his neck, “My daughter isn’t usually like this.”
However Nunew just smiled reassuringly and nodded. “It’s okay,” He said before turning to Tara. “Alright, Princess. I will stay with you for a little while.” Tara let out a joyful cheer, her face lighting up with excitement.
Zee let out a breath, his tension easing. After a moment, he cleared his throat, shifting awkwardly. “Are you busy? If you’re free, maybe I could treat you to dinner. You know, as a token of gratitude?”
Nunew’s lips curved into a warm smile. “Dinner sounds nice. I’d be happy to join you both.” Tara jumped up and down with joy. “Yay! Dinner with Elsa and Daddy!”
“Also Tara, you should stop calling him Elsa. It might make him uncomfortable.” Zee reminded his daughter. Tara looked up at Nunew, her lips forming a small pout. “Okay, Dad…” She replied reluctantly, her voice tinged with disappointment.
Nunew chuckled softly, shaking his head. “It’s fine. She can call me Elsa if she wants. It’s kind of cute.” Zee smiled awkwardly. “Still, I feel like we should address you properly. May I know your name?”
“I’m Zee, by the way.” He added quickly.
“I’m Nunew. Nice to meet you, Zee.”
Actually Zee wanted to take Nunew to the proper restaurant, but Nunew said he couldn’t go too far from the Amusement Park since his motorbike was parked there. So they went to the nearby fast food restaurant.
While Zee stood at the cashier placing their order, Nunew and Tara sat, chatting to pass the time. “Elsa, Do you have a boyfriend?” Tara asked innocently.
This little girl question always catching Nunew off guard. He chuckled, shaking his head as he leaned slightly forward. “Why do you ask, Princess Tara?” He replied, his tone playful.
Tara grinned mischievously, swinging her little legs under the table. “My aunt said Daddy is looking for a boyfriend. Do you want to be my Dad’s boyfriend? I’d be so happy to have you as my Papa.”
Nunew couldn’t help but burst into laughter, charmed by her boldness. “Oh really?” He teased, leaning closer. “And why would Princess Tara be so happy to have me as her Papa?”
Tara leaned her elbows on the table, her grin widening. “Because my Dad is handsome, and you’re pretty. That makes us a perfect family!” She clapped her hands together as if the match were already made. “We’d be like in a fairy tale! We would be the princesses and my Dad would be the prince!”
Nunew laughed so hard he had to wipe away a tear, her logic so innocent that it melted his heart. "Wow, you’ve really thought this through, haven’t you?”
“Yes!” Tara exclaimed with all the confidence in the world.
Just then, Zee returned to the table, balancing a tray of food. “What’s so funny?” He asked, setting the tray down and glancing between the two. Nunew stifled a laugh, exchanging a glance with Tara. “Oh, nothing...” And Tara giggled, covering her mouth with her tiny hands. “It’s a secret!” She declared.
Zee shook his head, puzzled but smiling as he handed out the food. “Okay then, let's eat.” He said.
As they started eating, Nunew found himself observing the father and daughter infront of him. He amazed at how attentive Zee towards his daughter. The man barely touched his food, too focused on ensuring his daughter ate well, cutting her food into small pieces and reminding her to chew properly.
“Dad, can I play there?” Tara asked, pointing to the small indoor playground in the corner of the restaurant. Zee glanced at the area and then back at her, his voice firm yet warm. “Only for a little while, okay? And don’t go anywhere else. Promise?”
He extended his pinky finger, and Tara eagerly hooked hers around it. “Okay, promise!”
And With that, she skipped off to the playground. "Tara is such a cute, bright kid...” Nunew said genuinely.
“She is..." Zee agreed, his gaze soft as he looked at his daughter playing on the slides.
“Oh, right,” Zee added, turning back to Nunew with a sheepish smile. “I’m really sorry for taking up so much of your time like this.” Zee added, looking slightly apologetic.
“That’s okay,” Nunew assured him. “I’m happy I got to meet such a sweet kid like Tara.”
Zee smiled in relief. “She’s been talking about wanting to meet Elsa for a while now. I didn’t expect her to mistake you for Elsa, though.” He chuckled softly. “Are you an employee at the amusement park? How long you've been working there?”
Nunew laughed lightly. “I’m just a freelancer. I've been working there since last year, but mostly only during high season."
“Are you perhaps a student?” Nunew’s laughter grew a little louder, amused by the assumption. “Do I look that young? I’m 26 this year. I work in the creative industry.” Zee just nodded in understanding. “That’s cool. You indeed look so young...”
“And what about you?” Nunew asked, leaning forward slightly, curious now about the man who had caught his attention. “I work at a consulting firm.” Zee replied simply.
“Wow… amazing!”
And their conversation flowed naturally, both of them surprised by how easy it was to talk to each other. Nunew found himself enjoying Zee’s calm demeanor and the quiet charm beneath it, while Zee appreciated Nunew’s openness and warmth.
Nunew couldn’t help but reflect on how unexpected this encounter had been. Somehow helping a lost child had turned into a friendly conversation with her father. But it wasn’t a bad thing—Zee is an interesting person, and he found himself wanting to know more about him.
Tara was sound asleep in Zee’s arms as they stepped out of the restaurant. Her tiny arms were draped limply around Zee’s neck, and her peaceful expression made Nunew smile. The little girl must have been exhausted after playing the whole day.
Zee adjusted Tara slightly, holding her with care, as they approached the parking lot. “Are you sure you don’t want me to drop you off at the amusement park?” Zee asked again.
“It’s alright. My friend is on the way with my motorbike.” Zee nodded but hesitated, not quite ready to part ways yet.
He opened the car door and gently placed Tara in her car seat, tucking her in securely. “Then I will wait with you until your friend gets here.” He said casually, though there was a hopeful undertone to his voice.
Nunew who holding Tara’s pink bag, handed it back to Zee. “You don’t have to do that. It’s late, and Tara needs to rest.”
“It’s fine,” Zee replied with a faint smile. “I don’t mind.”
But unfortunately, before the conversation could continue, Nunew’s friend came faster than their thought. “That’s my friend. Thank you for the treat, Zee! Hopefully we can meet again next time,” Nunew smiled. “Of course, with Tara too.”
Zee gave a small nod, hiding his own reluctance to say goodbye. “Thank you, Nunew. Let’s keep in touch." He said.
Nunew nodded, and for a moment, their gazes lingered before he turned to walk toward his friend. Zee watched him go, feeling an odd sense of anticipation mixed with regret.
As Zee got into the car and started driving home, he glanced at the rearview mirror. Tara was still sound asleep, her little face serene. Zee couldn’t help but smile.
Today was a great day for them.
On their way, Tara woke up from her sleep. Her tiny hands rubbing her sleepy eyes. She let out a soft yawn before clutching her plush toy closer, “Daddy, where’s Elsa?” she asked, her voice still drowsy.
Zee glanced at her through the rearview mirror, a faint smile tugging at his lips, “He went back to his home, Sweetheart.”
Tara rested her chin on her plush toy, her gaze shifting to the scenery outside the window. A comfortable silence filled the car before her soft voice broke through again. “Dad…”
“Yes, baby?”
“I want Uncle Nunew to be my Papa.”
Zee’s hands tightened slightly on the steering wheel, a smile spreading across his face. Tara’s innocent declaration warmed his heart. The thought of Nunew, with his kind smile and gentle demeanor, being part of their lives didn’t seem bad.
“Well...” Zee said, his tone light with playful curiosity. “If Tara wants Uncle Nunew to be your Papa, Daddy would have to work really hard to make sure he likes us even more.”
Tara beamed at the idea, sitting up a little straighter in her seat. “I will help you, Daddy! I can tell Uncle Nunew how much I like him.”
Zee chuckled at her determination, shaking his head lightly, “okay, but let’s take it slow, Baby. Dad promise I will do my best.”
Feeling satisfied, Tara eventually leaned back against her seat and drifted off to sleep again. Meanwhile, Zee’s thoughts wandered, lingering on Nunew—on the warmth and possibility he brought into their lives.