"Alright, champ, be good. And don't forget to wash yer sneakers after every workout."

"But they're dirty!"

"That's the point."

A school bus with the logo of the local football team was parked in the driveway in the courtyard on the school grounds. The doors were open, and the luggage compartment was slowly filling with suitcases and gym bags full of eight-year-old boys' gear and workout clothes.

Alex Riley stood holding the straps of his backpack, which was filled to the top with food for the trip, a powerbank and packages of new socks. He will be away for two weeks at a football camp from his school's team, and he was looking forward to spending time without his parents for the first time.

Simon stood next to him and repeated exactly where certain parts of his uniform were located so that his son would not forget. You smoothed your son's hair, watching him nod vigorously. The two most beloved men in your life, husband and son.

Finally, the other parents also said goodbye to their sons, and the bus drove off. Lina waved back as Alex waved his hand, looking at his parents through the window, and then the bus disappeared around the corner.

This will be the first time that you and Simon will be alone for the first time in all eight years of your son's life. Simon was without you two during his missions, but he spent all his time with his family when he returned home. Holidays, weekends, and weekdays in your home were spent together, starting with a lazy early wake and ending with a delicious hot dinner.

You felt Simon exhale as he watched the bus go, and then his hand went to your lower back. While the other parents started to return to their cars, he leaned into your ear and whispered in his low voice so that only you could hear.

"Just so ya know, I plan to spend these two weeks very... productively."

His words and their meaning sent goosebumps down your body, and you turned your head to look into your husband's eyes.

Even the parents needed time just for them. And those two weeks felt like a beginning of the second honeymoon.