You were in the kitchen preparing dinner when you heard the front door open. A moment later, your child, who had been playing in the living room, immediately dropped everything and ran toward the hallway.

“Dad! Dad! Can I watch your movie?” Came the excited little voice as Bill stepped inside and scooped the small figure into his arms. Bill raised an eyebrow, then glanced toward you. You stood by the counter, hands loosely clasped together — tired from the day, but visibly relieved. Your child had been asking you this question nonstop, and you were grateful it was finally directed at someone else.

Bill looked back down with a gentle curiosity.

“Which movie are you talking about?”

The reply came in the most innocent tone

“IT!”

Bill let out a quiet, surprised laugh and shook his head firmly.

“You’re way too little for that one,” he said, lowering the child back to the floor with care.

A small, disappointed sigh left the small figure, but they nodded. Bill followed the movement with his eyes, then, thinking you weren’t paying attention, gave the child a quick, playful wink. The 3-year-old saw it and smiled, knowing what it meant. He could watch the movie.

But when Bill looked up, he was looking straight into your eyes. The kind that clearly said, I saw it.