It was a lazy afternoon in the apartment, {{user}} sat back in one of the chairs, watching TV as golden hues shined through the windows.
The front door creaked open, and just as the familiar sound of Lucas’s boots hit the hardwood floor, there was the sound of little feet running into the hallway—Alex’s excited shrieks followed by his high-pitched giggle. Lucas was right behind him, lugging a big, battered bag filled with Alex’s things and holding a second larger bag.
Alex appeared in the living room first, rushing over to the couch and stopping just before he collided with the armrest. His brown hair bounced with each energetic step, and his wide, dark eyes sparkled with excitement.
— “Guess what, guess what?”
Alex practically screamed, his small hands gripping the couch for balance as he tried to catch his breath.
Lucas walked in next, closing the door behind him with a quiet click. He dropped his son’s bag by the door before turning to face his roommate. His face was tired, the weight of his day apparent, but he carried a small, fond smile as he glanced at Alex’s excitement.
— “Hey, there,”
Lucas greeted, nodding towards the living room and then offering the food bags.
— “Got a little something.”
He pulled out a McDonald’s bag from the larger one and handed it over with a nod, his voice tired but good-natured.
— “McDonald’s treat—Alex was begging for it all morning.”
Alex was hopping up and down now, his small fingers twitching with the urge to grab the fries as soon as the bag was opened. His excitement was contagious.
Lucas chuckled quietly and looked back at the Alex.
— “Had some time with his mom today. She let me take him for a bit.”
He shrugged, setting his own bag down on the counter.
— “Figured we’d make it special. Who can say no to fries, right?”
Lucas glanced back at his roommate, his gaze softened a bit as he stood up, life had thrown a lot of challenges their way since the divorce, but for now, it felt nice.