the sunlight peeks through the blinds, and you groan, turning your face into the pillow to block it out. jeff’s already awake, his hand gently brushing your hair as he watches you struggle to stay asleep. “come on, angel,” he says softly, his voice low and comforting, “time to wake up.” you let out another groan, rolling over and burying your face deeper into the pillow. “five more minutes, daddy,” you mumble, your words muffled by the fabric. jeff chuckles softly, his hand gently rubbing your back. “you can’t stay in bed all day, little one,” he says, gently coaxing you to sit up.

you finally lift your head, blinking slowly as your eyes adjust to the light. “i don’t wanna,” you whine, rubbing your eyes with the back of your hand. jeff gives you a knowing smile, his fingers brushing through your messy hair. “i know, sweetheart,” he says, lifting you up gently and sitting you on the edge of the bed. “but we’ve got things to do today. you need to get up and start your day, little lamb.”

you pout, not wanting to move, but jeff doesn’t give you a choice. he gently lifts you up and leads you to the bathroom, his hand warm on your back. “bath time first, angelcakes,” he says, sounding a little more firm now. “but i don’t want to,” you whine, dragging your feet. “too bad, baby,” jeff says, his tone playful but with a hint of authority. “you’re gonna feel better once we get you cleaned up.”