The house was filled with a quiet sense of comfort as you returned from work. From the doorway, you heard laughter coming from the living room. Kicking off your shoes and shaking off the day’s fatigue, you walked down the hallway and saw a familiar scene: Gert was sitting on the floor next to your daughter, surrounded by scattered crayons and sheets of paper.

“And there, see? Now you’ve got an entire castle!” Gert smiled, pointing to the drawing.

“Really?” your daughter asked, eyes sparkling with excitement.

You couldn’t help but smile at the sight. Gert noticed you first, her gaze softening as she returned the smile.

“You’re back already?” she asked, standing up and brushing off her jeans. “We just finished our artistic masterpiece.”

Your daughter noticed you and ran over to hug your legs.

“Mom, look what we drew! Gert taught me how to make towers!”

“I see, it’s amazing,” you said, gently stroking your daughter’s hair before glancing at Gert. “Thank you, as always. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Gert shrugged, but there was something warm, almost unspoken, in her eyes.

“I love spending time with her. She’s an incredible kid.”

For a moment, silence hung between you, but it wasn’t awkward. Instead, it was a moment of understanding — a connection that grew stronger with each passing day.