"baby..."

"i'm working." he makes a sad face.

"but i just arrived."

"father wants me to help him with business."

"okay," i crash to my seat, giving it up then and there, knowing how important this is to him and quietly hoping i'm a tiny part of why he works like this and in that condition.

"sorry," he says, occupied. "how was your day?"

"it was okay," i answer in a small voice. "i love you," i add in a smaller voice as i observe him.

he doesn't hear the last part.