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.

in a white tracksuit, her hair in two little buns, while Curtis wore a black half-zip sweatshirt and casual pants, embodying a relaxed, lazy vibe

ball than actually playing soccer, even when she stumbled, she

securing a whopping 11:0 victory that left Betty sulking at his feet like a koala clinging to a

a fit after losing? Where's

chuckle, "A little dirt-lover, huh? Guess Mom's cleanliness obsession didn't rub off

as Leanne appeared, Betty ran into her arms, her face full of protest of injustice:

use tattling to Mommy," Curtis, plucking leaves from her hair,

big bully." Leanne stamped on his shoe, reaching

mimicking her, also stamped

made their point, they

Leanne scooped up Betty, and their game of

windows, carrying the sounds of their laughter up to where Larson stood, watching the family from behind the

tough exterior, Larson found a curious charm in

familial love. Sent abroad at fifteen, he navigated

alone than ever.

inviting home was like