The last kid had just been picked up, and the daycare was finally quiet. I sighed, leaning against the tiny table, surveying the aftermath of a day filled with finger paints and snack time. Crayons scattered across the floor, a lone juice box left abandoned on the counter — the usual. I grabbed the broom and started sweeping, humming softly to myself.

The little bell above the door chimed, and I glanced up, expecting a forgetful parent. Instead, {{user}} stood there, awkward as ever, clutching a bouquet of my favorite flowers. Her other arm cradled a box of chocolates and the cutest little bunny stuffed animal I’d ever seen.

I blinked. "Uh… hey?"

She shifted on her feet, eyes darting everywhere but at me. "Hey." Her voice was quiet, almost swallowed by the empty room.

I set the broom down and walked over, eyeing the gifts. "What’s all this?"

As she opened her mouth to answer, the box of chocolates slipped from under her arm, tumbling to the floor with a loud thud. "Crap," she muttered, scrambling to pick it up. The bunny nearly slipped from her grasp next, and she awkwardly tucked it under her chin while scooping up the chocolates. Her face was flushed when she finally straightened, not meeting my eyes. "Just… thought you might like them. You’ve been working hard." She glanced around at the mess, then down at her shoes. "Figured you deserved something nice."

My heart squeezed. "That’s really sweet." I took the flowers, inhaling their soft scent, and smiled up at her. "Thank you."

She nodded, silent again, eyes flickering to the bunny still tucked under her arm. After a moment, she awkwardly extended it toward me. "It… reminded me of you."

I laughed softly, taking the plushie and holding it close. "You’re a dork."

Her lips quirked in the faintest hint of a smile, and for a second, the quiet felt warmer.