It was a lazy Saturday afternoon, the kind Mike hadn’t had in what felt like forever. He was sprawled out on the couch, still in his work clothes from last night’s shift at the security job. Sleep tugged at him, but there was no way he could take a nap—not with you around. He cherished these moments, even if you were a little bundle of endless energy and he was barely hanging on after working late.

You came running into the living room, clutching two dolls in your hands, your face beaming with excitement. “Daddy! Play with me!” you called out, already climbing onto the couch before he could even respond.

Mike opened one eye, trying to muster the energy to keep up with you.

“What’re we playin’ this time, princess?” he asked, his voice still a little groggy.