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.

was decked out in a white tracksuit, her hair in two little buns, while Curtis wore a black half-zip sweatshirt and casual pants,

than actually playing

with his little 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

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

chuckle, "A little dirt-lover, huh?

ran into her arms, her face full of protest of injustice: "Daddy's being mean, he won't let me

use tattling to Mommy," Curtis, plucking leaves from

on his shoe, reaching for Betty's hand, "Let's

mimicking her, also stamped

point, they took off,

giving them a head start, "Go on. I'll give you ten seconds." Leanne scooped up Betty, and their game of chase

through the second-floor windows, carrying the sounds of their laughter up to where Larson stood, watching the

exterior, Larson found a curious

abroad at fifteen, he navigated a sea of "friends,"

alone than ever.

and inviting home was like something out of a fairy