Hold My Tear, I’m Getting My Wife Back!

The next day dawned crisp and clear, a perfect slice of autumnal bliss, and Leanne was off duty.

At seven on the dot, as reliable as ever, Betty came bounding in to deliver her wake-up call. She could manage nights without Leanne, but mornings were a different story - she needed to see her parents first thing to soothe her longing heart.

Having stayed up late, Leanne struggled to open her drowsy eyes, only for a gentle kiss to land on her eyelids.

"Sleep a bit more," came a deep, soothing voice coaxing her back to sleep. "I'll take care of her."

Leanne's eyelashes fluttered but sleep ultimately reclaimed her, her eyelids closing again as she murmured a sleepy acknowledgment.

Curtis slipped out of bed and opened the door, where Betty awaited, impatient as a little sparrow: "Mommy! Mommy!"

Once the door closed again, Curtis whispered, "Let's not wake Mommy."

"The sun's up high!" Betty protested.

"Sunshine is good for you," Curtis persuaded her with his playful logic, lifting her in his arms as their footsteps faded down the stairs.

Leanne snoozed for another hour or so before descending to find Curtis and Betty playing soccer in the lawn.

Curtis wore a black half-zip

more of Betty running around clutching the ball than actually playing soccer, even when she stumbled, she didn't fuss, just

girl, didn't let up, securing a whopping 11:0 victory that left Betty sulking at his feet like a koala clinging to a tree, in a

a fit

a bite at his leg, prompting Curtis to chuckle, "A little dirt-lover, huh? Guess Mom's cleanliness obsession didn't

her arms, her face full of

use tattling to Mommy," Curtis, plucking leaves from her hair, smiled lazily. "Daddy bullies Mommy

You big bully." Leanne stamped on his shoe,

mimicking her, also stamped on

point, they took off, "Mommy,

his shoe, arched an eyebrow, generously giving them a head start, "Go on. I'll give you ten seconds." Leanne scooped up Betty, and their game of chase turned Betty's pout

morning light streamed through the second-floor windows, carrying the sounds of their laughter up to where Larson stood, watching the family from behind

tough exterior, Larson found

the warmth of familial love. Sent abroad at fifteen, he navigated a sea

alone than ever.

was like something out of a fairy tale, almost too good