The morning light spilled into the kitchen like warm honey, soft and golden. The scent of cinnamon toast mingled with the fresh aroma of brewed coffee, and laughter echoed faintly through the hall. Daniel stood by the door, mug in hand, watching Eliza chase their seven-year-old son, Noah, around the living room with a sock in her hand and a mock-threat in her voice.
"Noah James Carter, if you go out without socks again, I swear your feet will fall off from frostbite!" she warned with a smirk.
Noah shrieked with delight and dove behind the couch, socks dangling from one hand like a captured flag.
Daniel chuckled softly, sipping his coffee. "Let him go barefoot, Eliza. Builds character."
"Oh, sure," she replied, brushing a strand of chestnut hair from her face, "And when he catches pneumonia, I'll make sure you're on nurse duty."
Daniel set his mug down and walked over, plucking Noah from behind the couch with exaggerated effort. "Gotcha! Now put these on, buddy. Your mom's got the magic look in her eye again. You don't want to tempt fate."
Noah grumbled but obeyed, and Eliza gave Daniel a grateful look—soft, loving, and almost… weary.
They were heading out on a trip to Eliza's sister's place two hours north. A weekend getaway, just mother and son, to give Daniel some time to work on his manuscript in peace. He was behind on deadlines, but part of him wished they'd all stay home instead.
"Packed your sketchbook?" he asked Eliza as she zipped her overnight bag.
She nodded without turning. "Yeah. And Noah's books and your sister's gift."
He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. "I'll miss you both," he said quietly.
Eliza leaned back into him, her voice a whisper. "We won't be long."
Something in her tone made him hesitate. Not sadness, not finality—but something. A pause too long, a breath too shallow.
He kissed her temple. "Drive safe, okay? Roads can be slick this time of year."
"I always do."
Noah ran past them, dragging his dinosaur backpack, excitement bubbling from every limb. Daniel followed them out to the car, helping load the bags into the trunk. He tightened Noah's seatbelt and gave him a high-five.
"Be good for Mom," he said.
"I will!" Noah chirped.
Eliza climbed into the driver's seat, adjusting the mirrors. Daniel bent down beside her window.
"I'll be here," he said softly, "Waiting at the door."
Eliza smiled, and for a moment, her eyes shimmered with something he couldn't place.
"I know," she replied.
He stepped back as the engine rumbled to life. With a final wave, the car backed out of the driveway and rolled down the street. Daniel stood on the porch, one hand on the frame of the door, the other in his pocket, heart weighted but warm.
He watched until the car turned the corner and disappeared from view.
The door closed behind him with a soft click.