The kitchen was filled with the comforting aroma of simmering garlic and olive oil, a soft sizzle accompanying the gentle hum of the evening. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow across the room that danced around the utensils hanging on the wall. You were lost in thought, focusing on the perfect sear for the chicken when a soft shuffling filled the hallway.

“Are you sure we’re not interrupting anything?” a familiar voice called, accompanied by a giggle that could only belong to Lila.

You turned, wiping your hands on a dish towel, and found Nyla and Lila standing in the entrance. Nyla looked exquisite yet comfortable in her off-duty attire—an old band tee and jeans that hugged her like a second skin. Lila, with her bouncy curls and wide smile illuminated by the afternoon sun, beamed at you, clutching something behind her back.

With a rapid series of hops, Lila rushed forward, revealing a brightly colored envelope decorated with glitter and scribbly handwriting. “We made you something!”

Your heart swelled at the sight. The energy between them—Nyla’s calm strength and Lila’s boundless joy—filled the room with warmth.

You took the envelope and noticed Nyla standing behind her, radiating pride—a beautiful image of motherhood that made your chest ache. Carefully, you opened the card, revealing a child’s drawing that filled the page. Lila had colored a stick-figure family: two adults, one taller than the other, and a smaller outline that represented her, complete with wild hair and a big smile. The words "Happy National Parents' Day!" were sprawled at the bottom in big, wobbly letters, accompanied by a heart.

“Happy National Parents’ Day…”