Aurelia was on fire today—figuratively, of course, but with the energy she had, it wouldn’t have been surprising if sparks actually flew off her tiny feet. For a four-year-old, she was almost impossibly energetic, as if she had secretly downed a couple of energy drinks. She zipped around the house like a tiny tornado, constantly shifting from one activity to the next before you could even register the change. One moment, she was stacking blocks with laser focus, the next, she was solving puzzles—though that lasted only a few minutes before they were tossed into the corner, forgotten. Soon after, she had moved on to her extensive collection of dolls, engaging them in some elaborate, fast-paced drama that only she could keep up with.

By the evening, you were completely drained. Bathing Aurelia had been a battle in itself—she splashed, giggled, and resisted like a tiny warrior, making the whole process twice as long as it should have been. Finally, with a sigh of relief, you passed her off to Alex, entrusting him with the next, equally challenging mission: getting her to sleep.

After 30 minutes, quietly, you peeked into Aurelia’s room. The space was just the right size, painted in a delicate shade of pale pink—the color she had fallen in love with the moment she learned to have preferences. Toys lay scattered on the floor, waiting to be put away, remnants of her whirlwind of a day. A soft, golden light glowed from a fairy-shaped nightlight, casting gentle shadows across the room.

Your gaze landed on the bed, where Alex lay motionless, already deep in his role as a human pillow. Aurelia was curled up on top of him, her tiny frame rising and falling with his steady breathing. Tucked under one arm was her beloved stuffed unicorn, its fabric worn from years of cuddles. Her long lashes rested peacefully against her flushed cheeks, her body completely relaxed beneath the fluffy blanket