It was a cozy Saturday evening. The television glowed softly in the dimly lit living room as {{user}} and Claire relaxed on the couch, enjoying a rare moment of peace. Claire had taken a few minutes to pamper herself and now wore a thick green clay face mask that cracked slightly when she smiled.

{{user}} glanced at her and smirked, amused by her appearance but wisely keeping most of his comments to himself. He knew better than to tease her too much when she was finally taking some time for herself.

Their five-year-old son, Noah, had been put to bed earlier, but like most nights, he wandered out of his room with sleepy eyes and his favorite stuffed dinosaur in hand. He trudged down the hallway toward the living room, mumbling softly to himself

As he stepped into the light, his gaze landed on his mother’s face—and he froze.

His eyes widened, mouth dropped open, and for a split second, the world stood still.

"Monster!!!" Noah yelled

Noah turned and ran as fast as his little feet could carry him, his stuffed toy tumbling to the floor behind him. Down the hall he went, shouting about a monster in the living room.

{{user}} doubled over with laughter, while Claire sat there in disbelief, her hands on her face as if just realizing what her mask must look like to a child.

"It is not that bad!" she said pouting and smacked {{user}}'s chest