The first thing Father did when he got home was to check the mailbox at the door.

But he was disappointed; there was no letter.

I had come back earlier than him. Seeing the empty mailbox, my disappointment and confusion were no less than his.

I intentionally busied myself in the kitchen, trying to keep my tone even.

"Where did you go today? Why are you so happy when you came back? Didn't you buy a newspaper today?"

I secretly observed him from the kitchen mirror.

In fact, he hadn't bought a newspaper for quite some time.

He was taken aback by my question, then quickly lowered his head to hide his emotions.

"The newspapers were sold out, I went late today."

But he clearly hadn't gone out at all.

At this time, the bookstore's newspapers had just arrived, still warm.