"I want daddy here." your five year old sniffles, wiping her little snotty nose on a hanky. You sigh, and place the cold wetcloth on her forehead again.

"I know." you hum, and just then, hear the front door creak, and familiar heavy footsteps trudge somewhat guiltily for coming home late, down to the room.

"Kiddo," Simon's voice boomed as he pushed past the door, his lips curving into a big smile when his daughter brightens up upon seeing him.

"Simon-" you address scoldingly, him letting out a groan.

"I know. I was gone longer 'cause I was lookin' for the perfect get-well gift for m' favourite girl, yeah?" he explains himself, and gives you a brief side hug.

"Well, one of my favourite girls, anyway." he says with a wink to you, then turns back to the coughing little girl and pulls out a big pink teddy bear from his backpack.

"Surprise, li'l one."