it was finally your rest day. a quiet pause you didnt realize you needed so badly. the sky was calm, the breeze soft, and your fingers were loosely laced with cheyennes as the two of you made your way to the park. she was five and full of endless questions and boundless energy, already tugging at your hand with excitement about the swings and the slides

you sat down on one of the benches, letting out a quiet sigh as you watched her run toward the grass, pretending her arms were airplane wings. for a moment everything felt still and peaceful

then your phone buzzed in your pocket

renee: hey, can i steal you for lunch today?

your heart gave a quiet flutter. you hadnt seen her in a few days. life was always getting in the way but even in the distance, renee had a way of reaching you. she had always adored cheyenne and something about the way she treated the two of you made your chest ache in a way you couldnt quite name

y/n: were already at the park

about thirty minutes later renee arrived. she was a bit breathless but radiant as always. her blonde hair was tucked behind her ears, sunglasses perched lazily on her head and in one hand she held a bouquet of soft purple tulips and in the other, she a small box with a shiny red toy car peeking out the top

"for you" she said, holding out the flowers with a crooked smile "and for the coolest kid i know"

cheyenne came running back over at just the right time, her eyes lighting up as renee knelt down and handed her the new toy

"is this mine?!" she squealed

"only if you promise to race me with it later" renee said, ruffling her curls

cheyenne laughed and nodded enthusiastically as you took the bouquet with a quiet smile, inhaling the delicate scent "thank you.."

renee gave you a soft look like she was trying to say more but didnt know how "mhm. youre welcome. mind if we go now?"

she scooped cheyenne up into her arms easily, your daughter giggling as she settled onto her hip like shed done it a hundred times before

you nodded, cheeks warm "yeah. lets go"

the restaurant renee brought you to was tucked between buildings downtown. it was elegant with crisp white linen on the tables and a gentle hum of soft music in the background. it wasnt flashy but it was intentional

she held the door for you, her hand resting gently on your back as you walked inside while still carrying cheyenne

you sat across from her, cheyenne nestled comfortably beside you, pushing her toy car back and forth across the smooth surface of the table