Welby finished fastening the last button on Hannah’s onesie, the thick padding of her diaper barely concealed beneath the fabric, the poopy diaper he had changed added to the diaper pail. He secured her mittened hands and gave her a reassuring pat on her bottom, drawing a soft giggle from her as she squirmed in embarrassment. Her outfit was simple and babyish, perfect for the role she was expected to play. Welby sighed softly, lifting and securing her into the baby carrier. 

Next, he turned to Emily, dressed in a cheerful toddler outfit with a frilly skirt and tights. Emily had more movement freedom than her sister, but the thick diaper beneath her clothes left no room for ambiguity. Welby helped her into her shoes—which were Amazon-made and had Velcro straps for easy removal—and led her to the car.

"Alright, girls," he said softly, more to himself than to them, as he buckled Emily into her car seat and secured Hannah into her specialized infant seat, facing backward. Both girls were quiet, their moods subdued yet not entirely unpleasant. The faint crinkle of their diapers filled the air as Welby double-checked their harnesses, a small part of him still amazed at how easily this routine had become second nature.

Sliding into the driver’s seat, he started the car, the hum of the engine blending with the soft strains of holiday music playing on the radio. The drive to the coffee shop was smooth, snow from the night before coating the streets in a pristine white blanket. Unlike Earth, where everything stopped during the holidays, the Amazon world thrived with a steady buzz of activity. Shops were open, families bustled about, and holiday decorations still gleamed in the crisp morning air.

Welby’s hands gripped the wheel tightly as the coffee shop appeared. A flicker of nervousness coursed through him, his thoughts drifting to Evelyn. The memory of their brief encounter at the Christmas tree farm made his heart race. She was different—kind, understanding, and refreshingly genuine. She didn’t treat her Little like a toy but as someone she genuinely cared for, a stark contrast to the Amazons he’d come to distrust.

“Are you okay, Daddy?” Emily’s voice broke through his thoughts, her tone gentle and curious.

Welby glanced at her in the rearview mirror and smiled. “I’m fine, sweetheart. Just… thinking.”

He parked the car and took a deep breath, his nerves settling into a simmering mix of excitement and anxiety. Gathering his resolve, he unbuckled the girls: first Emily, who hopped down and patiently waited, then Hannah, whom he carefully lifted from the carrier and settled back onto his chest.

“Alright, let’s go meet our friend,” he murmured, more to himself than to them, as he stepped into the bustling warmth of the coffee shop. His heart thudded as he scanned the room, searching for Evelyn amidst the holiday cheer.

Welby spotted Evelyn almost immediately, seated near the corner by the large bay window, where sunlight streamed in, casting a golden glow over her and Lucas. The boy was propped up in a highchair, gripping a Little-safe cup of hot chocolate with both hands, his legs swinging contentedly. Evelyn’s face lit up as she noticed them approaching, her smile warm and inviting as she raised her hand in greeting.

“Welby! Girls! Merry Christmas,” she called out, her tone light and cheerful.

Welby felt a small wave of relief wash over him as he approached, his arms tightening slightly around Hannah. She nestled closer, her pacifier bobbing softly as she peeked at Evelyn from behind her blanket. Emily trotted beside him, her eyes darting curiously between Evelyn and Lucas.

“Good morning, Evelyn,” Welby said as he reached their table, his voice steady but carrying a touch of warmth. He gently set Emily into one of the highchairs Evelyn had reserved for them, cradling Hannah as he sat. “Merry Christmas to you, too.”

“I wasn’t sure you’d show,” Evelyn admitted with a soft laugh, taking a sip from her steaming cup of coffee. “But I’m glad you did.”

“I couldn’t pass up the chance,” Welby replied, smoothing down Emily’s hair as she settled into her seat. “And the girls could use a little outing.”

Evelyn turned her attention to the girls, her eyes sparkling with kindness. “Hello, Hannah, Emily. How’s your morning so far?”

Hannah didn’t respond verbally, her pacifier bobbing rhythmically as she clutched her blanket tighter, but Emily offered a polite smile. “It’s been nice,” she said softly, her cheeks faintly pink.

Evelyn’s gaze returned to Welby, her smile widening. “And how about you? How’s Christmas been treating you?”

“Fantastic so far,” Welby replied, his tone genuine. “We opened presents this morning. The girls were thrilled.”

Evelyn’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “Oh? What did they get?”

Welby chuckled softly, glancing at the girls. “Well, Emily got some dresses—Elsa and Moana-themed—and Hannah got matching ones for Ana and Simea. And then…” He hesitated momentarily, savoring the memory of their excitement, “there was a big surprise—tickets to Disneyland.”

Evelyn’s eyebrows shot up in delight. “Disneyland? That’s incredible! The girls must’ve been over the moon.”

Emily nodded eagerly, her smile growing. “It was a surprise. We didn’t expect it at all.”

Evelyn leaned forward slightly, her expression warm. “That sounds like so much fun. You’ll have an amazing time.”

Lucas, catching on to the conversation, looked up from his cup. “I wanna go to Disneyland too, Mommy!” he chimed in, his voice full of innocent enthusiasm.

Evelyn laughed lightly, brushing a hand through Lucas’s hair. “Maybe someday, sweetie.”

Welby watched the exchange with a faint smile, a flicker of admiration for Evelyn’s easy rapport with her Little. Despite the weight of their world, these reminded him that not all Amazons viewed Littles as mere possessions.

“What about you, Lucas?” Welby asked, leaning slightly toward the boy. “What did you get for Christmas?”

Lucas’s face lit up with pride, his voice clear and confident. “A model kit for building a spaceship! Not the baby kind, but the real one with all the tiny pieces!”

Welby blinked in surprise, glancing at Evelyn. “That sounds pretty advanced.”

Evelyn smiled knowingly and placed a hand on Lucas’s shoulder. “It is. He’s great at those things. But,” she added softly, her tone gently chiding, “remember to keep that quiet outside the house, Lucas. Not everyone would understand.”

Lucas nodded, a flicker of frustration crossing his face. “I know, Mommy, I’m sorry.”

Evelyn turned back to Welby, her smile fading slightly. “With the Little Care Act in full swing, I must be careful. Most Amazons wouldn’t approve of me giving him something like that. They’d say it’s too grown-up for a Little.”

Welby nodded slowly, his expression darkening. “Yeah, we’ve had our run-in with the Act.”

Evelyn’s brows furrowed, concern flashing across her face. “What happened?”

Welby hesitated, his hand brushing absently over Hannah’s head as she nursed her pacifier. He wasn’t sure how much to share, but Evelyn’s genuine concern eased his reservations.

“It was during our last inspection,” he began, his voice low. “Miranda, our minder, showed up unannounced. She wasn’t happy with how I’d cared for the girls—especially Hannah. She insisted on introducing new… programming.”

Evelyn’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Programming,” she repeated, her tone sharp with disapproval. “Let me guess—those awful hypnotic shows?”

Welby nodded grimly. “Exactly. She forced Hannah to sit through the first episode right there while she observed.”

Evelyn sighed, shaking her head. “It’s ridiculous. They claim it’s for the Littles’ well-being, but all it does is strip away their individuality. Lucas has to act the part whenever they come for inspections just to keep up appearances. It’s exhausting.”

Welby nodded, her words offering a small measure of comfort. “Thanks, Evelyn. It helps to know someone else gets it.”

She gave him a small, reassuring smile before her expression turned curious. “If you don’t mind me asking, how long have you had the girls?”

“Several weeks now,” Welby answered. “But I’ve known them for much longer than that.”

Evelyn’s brows knit in confusion. “You’ve known them longer? What do you mean?”

Welby hesitated, glancing at Hannah, who was still quietly nursing her pacifier, and then at Emily, who was busy stirring her hot chocolate. He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “The girls left and then came back.”

Evelyn’s eyes widened in shock, her gaze flicking to the girls and back to Welby. “They… came back? Willingly?”

Welby nodded. “Yeah. They chose to return.”

Evelyn sat back, clearly stunned. “That’s… incredible. I’ve never heard of Littles coming back willingly. Why would they do that?”

Welby’s expression grew somber. “It’s complicated. They came back under specific circumstances to protect someone important to them.” He paused, his voice steady but tinged with quiet resolve. “They made a choice—one I’ll do everything I can to honor and protect.”

Evelyn studied him for a moment, her admiration evident. “They must trust you a great deal.”

Welby exhaled deeply. “I hope so. I’ve got to make sure I don’t let them down.”

Evelyn sat back, her expression turning dry and weary. “With the Little Care Act, it’s become impossible to keep your word,” she said bitterly.

Welby’s eyes lit up with understanding. “Yes! Exactly!” he exclaimed, leaning forward as if her words were a revelation.

Evelyn shook her head, sighing deeply. “Lucas used to have so much more freedom before everything blew up. He wasn’t even in diapers around the house for a while.”

All three of them—Welby, Hannah, and Emily—stared at her, utterly stunned by the admission. Hannah’s pacifier slipped from her lips as her jaw dropped, and Emily looked like she couldn’t decide whether to be amazed or disbelieving.

But before anyone could comment, Lucas chimed in with a grin. “Yeah, it was nice and all, but honestly, it kind of sucked trying to use the potty myself. I wasn’t great at it and didn’t enjoy it. Plus…” He hesitated momentarily before his gaze softened, his voice growing more earnest. “I’ve grown to love my Mommy so much; I want to make her happy. She takes such good care of me, so I decided to wear diapers full-time for her. It makes her smile, and that makes me happy too.”

Evelyn’s face melted into an expression of pure warmth. She wrapped her arms around Lucas, pulling him into a tight, affectionate hug. “I’m so proud of you, my sweet boy,” she murmured, her voice filled with love.

Lucas beamed, his pride lighting up the room. Hannah and Emily exchanged bewildered glances while Welby watched the tender scene with a mix of awe and reflection. With all its complexities and contradictions, this world surprised him unexpectedly.

Emily shifted slightly in her highchair, her tone thoughtful yet tinged with wistfulness. “Before we left,” she began, glancing at Welby, “I was able to be in pull-ups and even panties. It was… nice.”

Welby grimaced, guilt evident in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Em. With the Little Care Act, I don’t think we can get away with that again. Not now—not when they’re tracking every diaper you use and demanding logs for everything.”

Emily shrugged, offering him a small, reassuring smile. “It’s not your fault, Daddy. Honestly, I’m glad I wasn’t flagged as a newborn.” Her voice was light, but there was an undertone of relief that Welby didn’t miss.

Evelyn shook her head, crossing her arms. “It’s absurd,” she said, her voice laced with irritation. “The government deciding what age our Littles are? I’m just glad Lucas got flagged as a toddler. I can’t imagine them forcing me to treat him as anything younger.” She glanced down at Lucas, quietly sipping his hot chocolate, his gaze attentive but content.

Hannah, unable to stay quiet, grumbled from her carrier. “Try being flagged as a newborn,” she muttered, her cheeks flushing. “I get strapped into car seats like I can’t even sit up, and don’t even get me started on these ridiculous mittens.”

The group chuckled softly, though there was an undercurrent of shared frustration. Welby gently patted Hannah’s back, a silent gesture of support, while Evelyn shook her head again, clearly baffled by the arbitrary nature of it all. “It’s beyond ridiculous,” she agreed. “They strip away autonomy and call it care. I don’t know how any of us are supposed to navigate this.”

Hannah gave a huff of agreement, settling her head against Welby’s chest. “Navigating? Try surviving,” she muttered, though her tone carried a spark of humor.

Evelyn turned her warm, inquisitive gaze toward Hannah. “What about you, sweetheart? Did you ever get to wear underwear on this side of the portal?” she asked gently. “If Emily got to, surely you did too.”

Hannah’s cheeks flushed, and she looked away, fidgeting slightly in her carrier. “I… I did,” she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “But it didn’t exactly go to plan.”

Emily, sensing her sister’s discomfort, immediately jumped in. “It wasn’t her fault,” she said firmly, her tone protective. “Our ex-Mommy drugged us—heavily. She made sure we couldn’t control anything, and we ended up completely diaper-dependent.”

Evelyn’s face darkened, her jaw tightening as fury flickered in her eyes. “She drugged you?” she repeated, her voice low and seething. “What kind of monster—”

Welby raised a hand to calm her, though his face was clouded with guilt and anger. “Laura had… some very specific ideas about Little Care,” he said carefully. “She believed Littles needed to be completely reliant, body and mind. It wasn’t just about control; it was about reshaping them entirely. When Hannah and Emily resisted, she—” He hesitated, his throat tightening. “She kidnapped them.”

Evelyn gasped softly, her hand instinctively reaching out to Lucas, who sat wide-eyed beside her. “That’s unthinkable,” she whispered. “How did you—?”

“I got them back,” Welby said firmly, his voice steady but filled with pain. “But not without scars. She left them both terrified, and I’ve been trying to undo the damage ever since.”

Hannah shifted uncomfortably, her hands tugging at her blanket as she glanced around nervously. Her eyes scan the room, expecting Laura to emerge from the shadows. Emily mirrored her sister’s unease, her gaze darting toward the door.

Welby noticed and scooted his chair closer to the girls, his presence a comfort shield. “You’re safe now,” he assured them, his voice soft but resolute. “Laura can’t hurt you anymore.”

Evelyn leaned forward, her expression softening but still tinged with outrage. “I’m so sorry you both had to go through that,” she said gently. “But I’m glad you have Welby now. You couldn’t be in better hands.”

Welby leaned forward slightly, a mixture of curiosity and admiration in his expression. “That’s… surprising, honestly,” he admitted. “I don’t think I’ve met another Amazon who sees Littles that way.”

Evelyn sipped her coffee, her lips curving into a wry smile. “It’s exhausting, the way they talk about Littles. Like they’re not people, just some kind of… accessory. It’s degrading and unnecessary.” She glanced at Lucas, her eyes softening. “Positive reinforcement works so much better. Littles thrive when they’re cared for, not forced.”

Lucas perked up, eager to share. “Whenever I do something that makes Mommy happy, even if it’s just playing along when we’re out, she rewards me!” His face lit up as he continued. “Sometimes, we’ll have a special dinner, or she’ll let me pick a movie, or we’ll play a big-kid game. It makes it kinda… fun.”

Evelyn chuckled, ruffling Lucas’s hair affectionately. “And don’t forget your toys,” she teased. “Lucas has a whole arsenal of ‘mature’ toys, from building sets to model trains to more adult-oriented toys. I ensure he gets plenty of time with them when he's good. I’ve shifted to toys more compatible with diapers for Lucas; it helps him enjoy them more, especially when he has poopies.”

Lucas blushed, giggling, “I really like the Little Star diapers.” he admitted.

Evelyn giggled, nuzzling him, “Yes, but then you stay up all night making cummies instead of actually sleeping, young man.”

Lucas giggled bashfully, “That’s what naps are for, Mommy!”

Evelyn chuckled, rolling her eyes and shaking her head.

Welby couldn’t help but smile at the dynamic between them. “I must admit, that’s refreshing to hear,” he said. “So many caregivers rely on control and fear. It’s inspiring to see someone doing it differently.”

“It’s not just about doing it differently,” Evelyn replied, her voice firm. “It’s about respect. Littles deserve to feel valued, not broken.”

Lucas grinned, clearly proud of his Mommy. “And it’s way more fun this way!” he added.

Welby leaned back slightly, processing everything as Evelyn and Lucas shared their story. He could see their warmth, a bond built on mutual trust and respect, something rare in this world.

“How long have you had Lucas?” he asked, his curiosity genuine.

Evelyn smiled fondly at Lucas. “About a year,” she said. “It started when I was looking for an exchange student to house. I wasn’t married, still am not, and thought it’d be a good way to bring someone new into my life.”

Lucas jumped in, his cheeks tinged pink, but his excitement was evident. “I’d heard about the Amazon world’s schools, and they’re amazing—free for Littles, too. I just needed a place to stay. That’s how I found Evelyn.”

Evelyn nodded, her gaze soft. “He was so polite, so eager to learn. I respected that. I didn’t force anything on him. I just wanted to make sure he felt safe and supported.”

“I didn’t realize how much control Amazons had over Littles until I got here,” Lucas admitted, his blush deepening. “It was a shock but made me appreciate Evelyn even more. She kept me protected and never made me feel like… property.”

Evelyn chuckled lightly. “We ended up staying up late most nights, just talking,” she said. “I came to love Lucas for who he is—a brilliant, curious, and kind young man. That’s when I realized he wasn’t just an exchange student to me. He was family.”

Welby’s eyes softened as he glanced at Lucas. “Were you ever interested in… being a Little before all this?”

Lucas hesitated, his blush spreading to his ears. “I was curious,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “But I never had the guts to try it. One day, I asked Evelyn if she’d let me explore it.”

Evelyn giggled, ruffling his hair affectionately. “We spent a day as Mommy and Little just to see how it felt,” she said. “By the end of it, Lucas was hooked.”

Lucas smiled sheepishly. “It was the simplicity of it,” he said. “The love, the care, the attention… It reminded me of my childhood, and I hadn’t realized how much I missed that.” He paused, glancing at Welby. “Diapers took me a bit longer to accept,” he admitted, his voice quieter. “But now… I genuinely love being her Little. It feels like home.”

Welby smiled, a hint of admiration in his expression. “It sounds like you’ve found something special,” he said. “That’s rare here.”

Evelyn reached over, placing a gentle hand on Lucas’s shoulder. “We’ve both found something special,” she said softly. “And I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Evelyn leaned closer to Lucas, her fingers brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. “You’re my brave boy, you know that?” she said softly, her voice brimming with affection. Lucas’s face lit up, his blush deepening, but his smile was undeniable.

“Thanks, Mommy,” he murmured, leaning into her touch.

She cupped his cheek, her thumb tracing a small circle. “No matter what this crazy world throws at us, you’ll always have me. I’ll always protect you, Lucas.”

Lucas nodded, his voice steady despite the emotion in his eyes. “And I’ll always be your Little, no matter what. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Evelyn smiled, her eyes glistening. She gently hugged Lucas, her arms wrapping around him securely. Lucas melted into her embrace, resting his head against her shoulder and his hands clinging to her like a lifeline.

Welby watched the tender moment unfold, his heart swelling with warmth. Glancing at his girls, a lump formed in his throat. Emily and Hannah were watching, too, their expressions mirroring his. Emily gave him a small, knowing smile while Hannah, still cradled in his arms, rested her head against his chest, sighing softly.

The world outside the cozy coffee shop seemed to fade away momentarily. All that remained was the shared understanding between these two families—an unspoken connection built on love, trust, and a shared determination to protect what mattered most.

Welby cleared his throat softly, breaking the quiet. “You’re lucky to have each other,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Evelyn looked up, her smile gentle but full of gratitude. “We are,” she agreed. “And so are you.”

Welby tightened his hold on Hannah, his eyes flicking between her and Emily. “Yeah,” he said, his voice soft. “I really am.”

The cheerful jingle of the coffee shop doorbell broke the quiet hum of conversation. Evelyn’s eyes flicked up, her body tensing as a tall, broad-shouldered Amazon man stepped inside. His eyes swept the room, pausing briefly on their table before moving to the counter. Without missing a beat, Evelyn leaned toward Lucas, her tone low but firm as she whispered, “Blue popsicle.”

Lucas’s demeanor shifted instantly. His thumb went into his mouth, his eyes dulling as though a switch had been flipped. A thin line of drool trickled from the corner of his lips, and he let out a soft, babyish giggle as Evelyn began cooing to him in saccharine tones.

“There’s my precious baby boy,” she crooned, dabbing at his cheek with a napkin. “Such a happy little guy, aren’t you?”

The man’s gaze lingered on them momentarily, his expression neutral but observant. After ordering his coffee, he glanced their way before stepping outside. Evelyn waited several heart-pounding moments, her eyes trained on the window, ensuring he had left the vicinity entirely.

“All clear,” she said finally, her voice still tense.

Lucas spat his thumb out immediately, grabbing a napkin to wipe his hand and mouth. “Ugh, I hate doing that,” he muttered, his cheeks tinged pink from both the performance and his frustration.

Welby, still holding Hannah close, frowned. “What the heck was that about?”

Evelyn let out a slow breath, straightening in her seat. “That man,” she said, hushed but serious, “is our minder. He works for the government. Wherever we go, he always seems to pop up. He’s watching us, making sure we’re ‘following the rules.’” She rolled her eyes, her disdain clear. “If he saw Lucas acting too independent, it could’ve caused trouble.”

Welby’s brows furrowed. “So, you act like that every time he shows up?”

Evelyn nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line. “It’s not ideal, but it’s safer this way. Lucas and I hate it, but it keeps him off their radar.”

Lucas groaned, crossing his arms. “I don’t get why they can’t just leave us alone.”

“They won’t,” Evelyn said firmly. “Not until something changes.”

Welby tightened his grip on Hannah, his protective instincts flaring. “This Little Care Act,” he muttered, “is a noose around all our necks.”

Evelyn sighed, her gaze distant. “It is. But we’re still here and fighting, even if it’s just in small ways. And for now, that’s what matters.”

Hannah buried her face into Welby’s chest, her muffled voice barely audible. “I hate those people,” she whispered.

Welby kissed the top of her head, his jaw tight. “We’ll figure this out,” he promised softly. “We always do.”

Evelyn sighed heavily, her hands curling around her coffee mug as she glanced out the window. "I hate this routine," she said, her voice low. "The constant surveillance, the mindless hoops they make us jump through. It's like we’re walking on eggshells every second of the day." She paused, a wistful smile tugging at her lips. "Sometimes, I wish we could just disappear, slip off their radar entirely."

She chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Honestly, the thought of packing up and vanishing sounds incredible. A vacation, somewhere far away from all this madness..." Her words trailed off, and her gaze flicked to Welby. A grin spread across her face. "You’ve got the right idea, Welby. A vacation sounds like exactly what we need."

Welby raised an eyebrow. "Have you ever thought about going somewhere like Disneyland?"

The suggestion caught Lucas’s attention immediately. He perked up, his eyes lighting with excitement. Evelyn, however, frowned slightly. "I don’t know," she admitted. "I’m beyond nervous that a place like that would just be another tool for the government to push their agenda on everyone. I don’t want to put Lucas through that."

Lucas’s excitement dimmed, and he looked down at the table. Evelyn noticed, her heart softening, and she turned to him. "What do you think, Lucas? Be honest."

He hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. "I’ve always wanted to go," he said quietly. "Back home, I never had the chance. And, as a young man, it’d feel weird to go now unless I had a family of my own. But..." He glanced up, his cheeks flushing. "The idea of getting to live out that childhood dream? That sounds amazing."

Evelyn studied him, her expression conflicted. "I’m just worried about your safety," she said softly.

Lucas reached out, placing a hand on hers. "I know, and I appreciate it. I know you’ll do everything you can to keep me safe. You always have." He paused, his voice steady despite the weight of his words. "But I also know you can’t protect me from everything. If it means I have to play pretend to stay under the radar, then so be it. I don’t want to miss out on seeing the world and experiencing things I’ve always dreamed about just because the government has its twisted ideas about Littles. This might be my one chance to do it."

Evelyn’s concern remained etched on her face, but Lucas’s resolve was clear. She exhaled deeply, squeezing his hand. "You’re right," she said finally. You deserve to experience this, Lucas. We’ll make it work. We’ll go, and I’ll ensure it’s as safe and fun as possible."

Lucas’s face broke into a wide smile, his excitement returning full force. "Thank you, Mommy."

Evelyn turned back to Welby, brushing her hair behind her ear. “I suppose we’ll go someday,” she said with a small smile, though her tone held a hint of wistfulness.

Welby tilted his head, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “What about coming with us?”

Evelyn blinked, visibly taken aback. “What?” she asked, her voice a mix of shock and hesitation. “Welby, I wasn’t trying to impose on your vacation. This is your time with your girls. I don’t want to make it about us.”

Welby shook his head, smiling gently. “I appreciate that, but honestly, I think you and Lucas would enjoy it. And from what I can tell, you have similar values to mine regarding Littles.” He paused, his gaze steady. “I’d like to get to know you both better. What better place than somewhere public and safe? Besides, we’d have separate hotels for the kids’ safety,” he chuckled. “I’m not saying I trust you that much, but a place like Disneyland? It’s a great way to get to know someone without worrying too much.”

Evelyn hesitated, her uncertainty clear as she glanced between Welby and Lucas. “I don’t know,” she murmured. “That’s a lot to consider.”

Welby turned to Emily and Hannah, his tone soft. “What do you girls think?”

Both girls exchanged nervous glances, clearly weighing the idea. Finally, Hannah spoke up, her voice quiet but steady. “From what I’ve seen, Evelyn seems like a good person,” she said, her brown eyes flicking to Evelyn. “And if something feels off, we can always part ways. Especially if we’re not staying together.”

Evelyn’s eyes softened as she took in Hannah’s words. She glanced at Lucas, who was practically bouncing in his seat, his excitement barely contained. The sight tugged at her heart, and she exhaled deeply, a small smile forming. “Alright,” she said finally. “If you’re sure, then... let’s do it. But Lucas and I will handle our arrangements.”

Welby grinned, relief evident on his face. “That sounds like a plan. The more, the merrier.”

Lucas beamed, his excitement bubbling over. “We’re going to Disneyland!” he exclaimed, earning a warm laugh from Evelyn and a shared smile from Welby.

At that moment, a spark of excitement and camaraderie filled the air, as if, for a brief time, they could set aside the weight of their realities and just be a group of people looking forward to a magical adventure.