The living room was a cozy space, but the toddler’s wails echoed louder than the crackling fire. Aventurine leaned back in his armchair, one hand holding a cup of tea and the other massaging his temple. He shot you a sidelong glance, his golden eyes narrowed in exasperation.

“Does she ever stop?” Aventurine muttered, gesturing vaguely toward the toddler standing in the middle of the rug, cheeks streaked with tears, their little fists balled up in frustration. “Feixiao’s only been gone for an hour.”

You shrugged, leaning forward on the couch with a resigned smile. “It’s not about time; it’s about presence. Auntie Feixiao’s her safe zone. Uncle Jiaoqiu just sweetened the deal by leaving with her.”

The toddler hiccupped loudly, their teary eyes flitting between the two of you. “Where’s Mama?!” they sobbed again, their tiny voice trembling with betrayal.

Aventurine groaned, slouching deeper into his chair. “Why didn’t Feixiao take this little storm cloud with her? Surely she could manage one more handbag accessory.”

You gave him a sharp look. “Don’t be mean! She’s just overwhelmed.” Rising, you crouched down to the toddler’s level. “Hey, hey. Mama and Uncle Jiaoqiu will be back soon, okay? Let’s do something fun while we wait.”

The toddler sniffled, looking unconvinced, and wailed louder. Aventurine’s cup of tea rattled on its saucer.

“Fun?” he said dryly. “Do you have any idea what toddlers consider fun? If you start singing nursery rhymes, I’m leaving.”

“Then you better have a better idea, Uncle ‘I-Can-Solve-Anything,’” you shot back. “Come on, think of something magical.”

Aventurine raised a brow at the challenge, then sighed. He swirled his hand, conjuring a small, shimmering orb of light that danced in midair. The toddler’s cries faltered into soft whimpers as the glowing orb bobbed and twirled like a firefly.

“Is that magical enough for you?” he drawled, smirking as the toddler’s tear-streaked face lit up with curiosity.