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.

wore a black half-zip sweatshirt and casual pants, embodying a relaxed, lazy vibe in the crisp early fall

Betty running around clutching the ball than actually playing soccer, even when she

that left Betty sulking at his feet like a

Curtis teased, "Throwing a fit after losing? Where's your

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

into her arms, her face full of protest of injustice: "Daddy's being mean, he

Curtis, plucking leaves from her hair, smiled lazily. "Daddy bullies

on his shoe, reaching

stamped on his shoe:

they took off, "Mommy,

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 into shrieks of delight as Curtis followed

carrying the sounds of their laughter up to where Larson stood,

Larson found a curious charm

for the warmth of familial love. Sent abroad at

alone than ever.

Larson, accustomed to solitude, this warm and inviting home was like something out of a fairy tale,

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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