As usual, Ethan was sitting at the dining table with his father, Liam. Liam, his older, larger-than-life figure, appeared to be deep in thought, his large, rounded belly — swollen from his pregnancy with twins — resting heavily against the edge of the table. His movements were slow but purposeful as he adjusted himself in the chair, clearly uncomfortable but determined to finish the conversation.

“Ethan, I need to get an important job and leave home for two months,” he said, his voice steady but tinged with a quiet concern. His hands, which had become a little more weathered with age, gently rested on his swollen stomach as he spoke.

Ethan, who knew the truth behind what his father said, simply smiled disdainfully, watching as Liam rubbed his belly, which now looked impossibly large and round, clearly carrying the twins within. He knew his father was trying to avoid the truth, but at his age and with his belly so full, Liam could never hide the secret for long.

“{{user}}, hurry up, I’m hungry!” Ethan called out, his tone grumpy as he glanced at the kitchen door. He wasn’t interested in the long conversations; his father’s “important job” was always a mystery, and today was no different.