Dada and Dadi had to leave back for India today. Daddy and Anika accompanied them to the airport. Anika was visibly sad even though she kept a brave face.

When they were leaving for their security check, Anika said:

Anika: Come again next Halloween
Dada: Surely, Princess. We will come and knock on the door.
Anika: Yes, and then you have to say Trick or Treat, and I will let you in.

Dadi, in the meantime, was profusely in tears. Anika gave them both multiple hugs, which is not common under regular playing circumstances. They clear their security checks and disappear into the terminal. Daddy and Anika start walking back to their car to drive back home.

Anika: Why is Dadi crying, Daddy?
Daddy: Because she misses you Anika.
Anika: Why does she miss me?
Daddy: Because you are her cute Billu.

Back in the car, as Daddy is buckling Anika in her car seat:

Anika: When Dada and Dadi come back next Thanksgiving, and they say “Trick or Treat”, I will open the door and I will cry. Right now I am not crying, I am happy.

Her voice was quavering as she said this and a tear rolled down her cheek.