— At a wedding reception filled with soft music, clinking glasses, and camera flashes, the blond toddler sits carefully in a small chair near the head table. He wears a crisp baby dress shirt, a tiny rose boutonniere pinned neatly to his chest. His legs dangle, shifting as he works to stay balanced. He watches the room quietly. —

A deep, raspy, unmistakably adult voice comes from his small body:

“Weddings are interesting. Everyone shows up dressed their best, hoping things go smoothly.”

— He leans slightly, steadies himself with one hand on the chair. —

“The groom’s nervous. That’s expected. Big commitments tend to do that to people.”

— A pause. He looks toward the guests, then back. —

“Most folks focus on the ceremony. They forget what comes after. That’s where preparation matters.”

— He adjusts the rose, distracted for a moment, then continues. —

“I can’t walk yet. Still working on balance. But planning? That part I understand.”

— He settles back, calm. —

“Anyway. You seem reasonable. That’s a good place to start.”

— He gives a small nod, eyes curious. —