Bang. Squeak. Tring. Drrrr~

  My ears perked out before my thoughts.

  Weird noises.

  My eyes blinked open. A familiar ceiling swam into view.

  My room.

  Everything felt fuzzy. I rubbed my eyes, trying to wipe the sleep away, then rolled to my side to continue dreaming when—

  Baam! Gooonng.

  I clamped my baby pillow over my ears, but the noise bulldozed right through it.

  Who's making all those sounds?

  I flopped onto my back and puffed out a breath. Time to investigate!

  I tossed Racoonie and Nox onto the floor and rolled off the bed. Poof. Their plush bodies offered a soft landing—a tactical sacrifice for my comfort. Thanks Racoonie. Thanks Nox. I gave each one a kiss on the forehead then dragged them across the floor by their tails. I stretched and turned the door knob. I waddled out and heard the noise again.

  Kong. Kong. Whiirrrr—

  Downstairs.

  Since I was too short, I couldn't hold the railing. I threw Nox into the air and it landed at the bottom of the stairs. Then, I placed Racoonie on the ground, at the edge of the stairs. I lay on Racoonie and slid down the stairs.

  Dong. Dong. Dong.

  I reached the bottom in half a second. So fun.

  I grabbed the tails of my toys and waddled to the source of the noise. Soon, I arrived at our study room and saw Ma making some celebration decoration.

  Christmas, New Year, Halloween, Deepavali, Hari Raya, Thanksgiving, Dragon Boat Festival and many more.

  There were many obstacles to reach Ma. If there were some spots where I could stand, I would. With a body as short and round as mine, I was less of a walker and more of a hazard; I was just as likely to roll over the decorations as I was to step around them. So I tried screaming first. But the construction sound muffled my voice.

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  I tried lifting a leg and find a spot to step but ended up losing my balance and rolling backward. If there hadn’t been a wall, I could have rolled on forever.

  Feeling frustrated, I grabbed one of the Christmas ornaments and threw at Ma. The ornament soared through the air, a sparkly red comet of regret. It landed with a hollow thwack against the back of Ma's head.

  Time stopped. The crows outside probably held their breath. I stood there, arms frozen, suddenly wishing I was as small as the dust bunnies under the stairs.

  Tak. Tak. Tak.

  As soon as it landed, realization slapped me. What did I do? My hands... They... They want me dead! Ma turned around, scratching her head. I quickly shielded myself. Ma stood up and walked towards me. Her shadow loomed over me.

  There was nothing.

  I slowly peeked over and saw Ma looking at me, confused. Looks like Ma didn't notice. Phew!

  I put my hands down and Ma asked, "What are you doing here instead of sleeping?"

  My lips pouted out and said, "I heard weird noises." I peeked at the things on the ground.

  "What are those?" I pointed.

  "My blood, sweat and tears." Ma looked away for a moment, then met my eyes with a tired look. She kneeled down to my eye level. "I love celebrating every festivals. Every. One. Of. Them."

  I saw the reflection of myself super clear in Ma's eyes. Sus. Ma's eyes look too clear. That could only mean...it's an excuse.

  Remembered Ma came home tired and rambling about company overworking her.

  Excuse, it is. I nodded wisely.

  "When they know I celebrate every festival, they had no choice but to give me a break every time there's any," Ma said as she rubbed her hands with an evil grin.

  I knew it... Ma always has an excuse.

  "But why are you doing all now?" I asked.

  "Ever heard 'Bitterness before sweetness'?"

  "Like medicine?" I tilted my head.

  "That's right, but try applying to the adult world. I suffer now but when the time comes I would cross my leg and chill every time. Enjoy every second of my breaks." Ma flashed an earnest smile. Something I've never seen before.

  Ma must have suffered a lot at work. Poor Ma.

  Ma's face returned normal then poked my nose and said, "Thank you for your concern, dear. Unlike the one upstairs and on the tree." Then she returned to her seat and started working.

  Bzzzttt! Clank! Clank! WEEEEEEE!

  It sounded like a robot having a mid-life crisis.

  On the tree? Why does Ma always say that our house has four people? Who's the forth? A ninja? A ghost? Neighborhood aunty? Why would they be on top of a tree?

  Both my arms spread out wide. Knee bent a perfect ninety degree. Of course, not forgetting Racoonie and Nox. My body moved one, two steps away from Ma.

  Ma gone coo-coo from overwork. Better not disturb her.

  Suddenly, the noise stopped and Ma slowly straightened her back. Her back emitting a dangerous aura.

  Huh? Ma seems mad? Did I do something wrong?

  "One more thing..." Ma's voice dropped low. "Do you really think I don't know you threw that ornament?"

  Uh oh!

  I bolted to my room. Even though I had short legs, I didn't know how I climbed those stairs. Got to thank adrenaline and survival instinct.