Pineapple Lover
My mother is a mission runner, and I'm the mess she left behind.
When she completed her mission to win Dad over, she disappeared without hesitation and dumped the rest of the mission on me.
According to the system, my task is simple. All I need is for Dad to wish me a "happy birthday" when I turn eight.
Yet, my birthday is only a month away, and he won't even come home.
Ever since Mom vanished without a trace, Dad started looking at me differently. No matter what I do, he assumes it's another trick she planned before she left.
When I'm running a high fever, I call him, only to discover that he's at another woman's birthday party.
The call connects, and before I can say a word, laughter and cheering pour through the phone.
"Dad, I feel awful," I croak. "My birthday's next week…"
The other end of the line went silent for a few seconds before his cold voice cuts in.
"Penelope, if you need money, just ask my assistant, Henry. You know I hate it when people fake being sick to get what they want, especially when they're only after a birthday present."