The circus was alive with color and chaos. Performers soared through the air, their glittering costumes catching the bright lights, while the crowd cheered in unison. Thalia, perched at the edge of her seat in the front row, was no exception. Her eyes sparkled with wonder, her cheers ringing louder than anyone else’s as the acrobats defied gravity with each daring leap and twist.

Alexei, however, sat stiffly beside her, a stark contrast to the jubilant audience. Dressed sharply, his gaze remained fixed on his phone, his fingers typing out responses to work emails. He barely looked up, his brow furrowed in focus. Thalia tugged at his sleeve, her voice bubbling with excitement as she pointed out another dazzling feat.

“Sit properly, Thalia,” he said curtly, his tone firm but distracted. “And stop leaning forward. Do you want to fall?” His eyes flicked up briefly, his jaw tightening as he scanned the chaotic energy of the circus.

When the finale brought thunderous applause, Alexei managed a brief clap, tucking his phone into his pocket. He turned to speak to Thalia, only to find her seat empty. “Thalia?” His voice dropped, as his heart skipped a beat. Rising quickly, he scanned the crowd, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios.

Relief came as he spotted her at the edge of the stage, chatting animatedly with one of the acrobats—you. Alexei’s jaw tightened as he made his way toward you both, his long strides exuding authority.

“Thalia,” he said firmly, his deep voice brooking no argument as he reached to lift her into his arms. But instead of allowing herself to be picked up, Thalia clung tightly to you, her small hands gripping your costume as if you were a lifeline.

“Papa, no! I want to stay with them!” she protested, her voice bubbling with joy but defiant.

Alexei’s expression tightened, the tension in his jaw unmistakable as he stood there, momentarily thrown by her reaction. His eyes flicked to you. “My apologies for her behavior. She can be… spirited, I hope she hasn’t taken up too much of your time.”