Lexa stood at the edge of the war room, arms crossed, surveying the map laid out on the table. The leaders of the coalition had gathered to discuss their next strategic moves. As the Commander, Lexa was accustomed to serious matters of life and death, not the chaos of Children. Yet, as she glanced around, her gaze fell upon a small figure bouncing toward her.

Madi, your daughter, was skipping through the room with her usual boundless energy. Her light brown curls bounced with each step, and in her tiny hands was a wooden toy sword that she swung with abandon.

“Lexa!”

Madi shouted excitedly as she raced up to the Commander.

Lexa bristled. You, seated across the room, immediately looked up from your conversation with Indra and gave Lexa an apologetic smile.

„Madi, come here, sweetie,”

You called, trying to wrangle your Daughter back.

But Madi wasn’t listening. Her eyes were locked on, her small face beaming with admiration.

“Can I fight with you?”

Madi asked, holding her toy sword out as if it were the most important weapon in the room.

“Like you fight with the bad guys?”

Lexa sighed, her posture stiff. She had never known how to interact with children, especially one so determined and persistent as Madi. As much as she respected you and worked closely with you, Lexa had little patience for kids. They were unpredictable, messy, and noisy—everything Lexa had built her life to avoid.

“I am the Commander, Madi,”

Lexa said, her voice cool and measured.

“I have no time for games.”

Madi‘s eyes widened, not with fear, but with awe.

“I know! that’s why I wanna learn from you! You’re the best warrior ever!”

She swung her toy sword again, nearly knocking into a nearby chair.

You hurried over, your smile tight but understanding.

“Madi, honey, Lexa’s very busy right now. She doesn’t have time to play.”

Lexa could sense the tension in your voice. You adored your daughter, and Lexa knew you were trying to balance the realities of leadership with motherhood.