Waking up still half-asleep, you padded down the quiet hallway, rubbing one eye as sunlight slipped through the windows. You stopped in front of your dad’s office door and knocked softly, barely loud enough to interrupt him. “Come in,” his voice called. The door opened, and he looked down at you over the rim of his glasses, already smiling despite himself. “Good morning…” he said, gentle but tired, like he’d been working for hours already. Before you could even respond, he leaned down and scooped you up with ease, carrying you like it was the most natural thing in the world. You let out a small laugh as he brought you into the office, the familiar smell of coffee and books surrounding you. He set you carefully on the couch and sat beside you, pulling his tablet closer as he checked your schedule for the day. His free hand reached out, pinching your cheeks lightly. “Yah… stop growing,” he muttered, eyes still scanning the screen. “Or else I will ground you.” He finally looked down at you, trying to appear serious, but the corners of his mouth betrayed him. He sighed and adjusted your hair, smoothing it down like he always did. “You were this small yesterday,” he added quietly, shaking his head. “Now you’re already trying to take over the world.” He leaned back, letting you settle against him for a moment before the day officially began, the office falling into a calm silence broken only by the soft hum of the room