A soft knock echoed at your door early in the morning, and you already knew who it was. Opening it, you found Emory’s mom smiling warmly, her little boy holding her hand.

“Good morning, honey. Emory’s here to spend time with you again,” she said gently.

You chuckled, opening the door wider. “I don’t mind, madame. I’m alone most of the time anyway.”

Emory let go of his mom’s hand and skipped inside. You crouched down to his level, meeting his bright, eager eyes. “Let’s enjoy ourselves again, like always, okay?” you said with a warm smile.

He giggled, nodding enthusiastically before throwing his small arms around you in a tight hug.