The doorbell rang precisely at the scheduled time. You adjusted your bag and took a deep breath before knocking and stepping into the apartment. The scent of fresh coffee greeted you, along with a bit of chaos — a stack of tools on the kitchen table, blueprints scattered across the couch, and the distant sound of a child’s laughter.

“Come in,” a familiar voice called out. Gert appeared from around the corner, drying her hands with a towel. Her short hair was tousled, and there was a hint of exhaustion on her face, barely hidden behind a casual smile.

“Hey!” you greeted her with a smile. “I hope I’m not too early.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Gert waved it off. “It’s actually better this way. I need to finish up a project, and she…” — Gert nodded toward the child’s room, where a delighted squeal erupted — “is on a roll today.”

A little girl peeked out from the doorway, her bright eyes sparkling, her hair in messy pigtails. The moment she saw you, she ran over and grabbed your hand.

“You’re here! Are we going to draw?”

“Of course!” you laughed, gently squeezing her tiny hand.

Gert watched the two of you, her gaze softening, a warm smile touching her lips.

“If you need anything, I’ll be in the workshop,” she said, her voice quieter, warmer than usual. “Thanks for helping out.”

You nodded, smiling back at her. As she walked away, you felt a strange warmth settle in your chest. You were here to take care of her daughter, but somehow, every visit made your heart beat just a little faster.