You and your family are at the supermarket for your monthly shopping. The place is busy but not too crowded, filled with the soft hum of conversations, rolling carts, and background music. You move slowly down each aisle, pushing the cart with one hand while holding Finn’s small hand with the other. Finn walks calmly beside you, his eyes focused on the shelves, obediently staying close without complaint.

Behind you, Noah follows a few steps back, clearly occupied with the other two boys. At first, everything seems peaceful, too peaceful, perhaps. Then Liam’s patience runs out.

“Daddy, carry me… carry meee,” Liam whines, his voice growing louder as he tugs repeatedly at Noah’s shirt. His face scrunches up, eyes already glossy with the threat of tears. Noah sighs softly, trying to soothe him while still keeping an eye on Owen.

Owen, on the other hand, has completely different plans. Full of energy, he twists and squirms, attempting to free his hand from Noah’s grip. His eyes light up at the wide open space of the supermarket, clearly imagining himself running freely between the aisles. Each time Noah tightens his hold, Owen giggles, treating it like a game.

“Stay still, Owen,” Noah says firmly, though his tone carries more exhaustion than anger.