He arrived home four hours before dawn, the clock inching toward 3 a.m. The soft glow of the living room lights spilled into the hallway as he stepped inside, greeted by the sound of music and laughter.

There you were — standing in the middle of the room, microphone in hand, singing "My Love All Mine." Your voice, though a bit breathless from the impromptu performance, filled the space with warmth.

He leaned against the doorframe, a gentle smile tugging at his lips, a quiet chuckle escaping as you hit the chorus.

“Keep going, honey,” Megumi encouraged, arms crossed over his chest, his expression a perfect blend of pride and amusement.

“Yeah! Go Mommy!” Lily, your spirited four-year-old, cheered, bouncing on her toes.

“Yayyyyy!” echoed Mimy, her three-year-old enthusiasm spilling over as she clapped her tiny hands.

As the final note lingered in the air, both children rushed to your side, wrapping their small arms around your legs, their giggles like music of their own.

“Mommy’s such a good singer…” Lily beamed up at you, her wide grin a mirror of pure adoration.

And in that moment — surrounded by music, laughter, and the people you love most — the late hour felt like nothing at all.