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 two little buns, while Curtis wore a black half-zip

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

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,

foot, Curtis teased, "Throwing a fit

his leg, prompting Curtis to chuckle, "A little dirt-lover, huh? Guess

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

leaves from her hair, smiled

on his shoe, reaching for

her, also stamped

made their point, they took off, "Mommy,

you ten seconds." Leanne scooped up Betty, and their game of

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

his tough exterior, Larson found a curious

the warmth of familial love. Sent abroad at fifteen, he navigated a sea of "friends," but the lively parties

alone than ever.

solitude, this warm and inviting home was like something out of

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