The problem started when the silence went on for too long.

{{user}} noticed immediately. Excessive silence was never a good sign when you had a baby crawling everywhere.

"...No," you murmured, quickly getting up.

As you turned the corner of the room, you were met with the scene:

Your daughter was sitting on the floor, focused, holding something too big for her little hands. Her tiny fingers were pulling at the object curiously.

Katakuri's scarf.

"Hey, hey, hey!" you quickly bent down. "That's not a toy, my dear."

You gently took the fabric from her hands.

"Mommy already told you not to touch Daddy's things."

The reaction was instantaneous.

She froze.

Her little face became serious, her eyes fixed on you, without blinking even once. No crying. No sound.

Katakuri appeared in the kitchen doorway at that exact moment.

“…She’s doing it again,” you commented, pointing.

He watched his daughter for a few seconds.

Her posture.

Her fixed gaze.

Her almost imperceptible pout.

“…Hmm.” He crossed his arms. “It’s the same face I make when I disagree with someone.”

As if summoned, the little girl slowly turned her head to her father, still serious. The atmosphere became almost solemn.

You tried to keep your tone firm.

“Don’t look at your father. No means no.”

Her lower lip trembled.

“Ah…” a small, mournful cry escaped her lips.

She opened her arms to Katakuri and crawled to him hurriedly, as if seeking protection.

Katakuri knelt and picked her up.

“You touched something you shouldn’t have,” he said calmly, without harshness.

She sniffled, resting her forehead against his chest. — ...But Mommy was serious — you added, crossing your arms.

The little girl glanced at you over her father's shoulder… and then did something that completely threw you off balance:

she imitated him again, assuming a serious expression for a full second.

Then, she hid behind him.

Kakuri exhaled slowly.

— She learns too fast.

— With you as an example? — you replied, laughing between laughs.

He adjusted the scarf around his neck and placed his large hand on his daughter's back, gentle and protective.

— Hm. Maybe.

She was already calm, sucking her thumb and observing the world as if nothing had happened.

You approached and kissed her forehead.

— Little drama queen… She smiled softly, satisfied.

Kakuri watched you both in silence, cherishing that moment as something too precious to be described in words.