Dylan’s POV: “Wake up, you big ass! It’s seven already!” I jerked awake to Emily pummeling me with a pillow, then to the harsh glare of sunlight as she ripped open the curtains. Ugh…why does she *always* do that? “Go away, Em. It’s too early.” I groaned, pulling the covers over my head, attempting to recapture sleep. “Then I’ll have to drive Cayden to school myself.” Oh, hell no. The last time she drove my car, she managed to drive it *into* a row of public toilet stalls. Men’s toilets, specifically. Don’t ask me why only the men’s toilets, I don’t want to know. I don't even *want* to think about why. It cost me a fortune to repair the car and the toilets. “I’m up.” She stood there, a smirk playing on her lips. I leveled her with a death glare, but she just grinned wider. “Good. Cayden needs to be eating breakfast by now. You better hurry.” “Yes, mother.” She punched my shoulder lightly, smiling, before turning to leave. Brushing my teeth quickly, I went downstairs to find Cayden attempting to shove a strawberry whole into his mouth. “What did I say about stuffing your mouth?” “Morning, Daddy. Sorry, Daddy, but it’s so good! I love strawberries.” He pouted, half the berry already disappearing into his cheek. “Eat slowly, love. No one’s going to snatch it from you.” I ruffled his hair, making him beam before he resumed chewing, now at a slightly more reasonable pace. “Here’s yours, lazy bum.” Emily slid a plate of waffles across the table, twice as many as Cayden’s, with a side of egg bacon breakfast cups. “Thanks, Em.” She nodded, already digging into her own food. “Welcome. Now eat. Cayden needs to be out by 7:30 or he'll be late."
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“Daddy, can we go to the park after school?” I looked down at my little boy, who stared up at me with hopeful eyes. “Of course, Matt. We can get ice cream too, if you like.” “Yes, please, Daddy! Thank you, Daddy!” “No problem, Matt.” I watched him run towards his teacher at the gate, waving enthusiastically. “See you later, baby.” “See you later, Daddy!”
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“Morning, boss!” My employees greeted cheerfully as I stepped into the shop. Claire manages the wrapping and packaging of our sweets and chocolates, Landon oversees the chocolates themselves, Grace handles the marshmallows, and I’m in charge of the caramels and sugar sculptures. “Morning, guys. Any orders today?” “A couple came by ordering a box of 70 chocolate marshmallow sticks, 150 pieces of assorted caramels, and sugar sculpture 107. They want to pick it up on December 23rd, three weeks from now.” Grace announced smoothly, without hesitation. Her memory is amazing, something I desperately lack. “Okay. You’ve posted the order in my workroom already, right?” “Yup.” She’s incredibly efficient. “Thanks.” She nodded quickly, returning to her work.
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“I’m going to pick Cayden up now. Do you guys want anything from the café down the road?” “Can I have a chocolate muffin and a hot latte?” “I want a cinnamon roll and a hot chocolate, please.” “I’ll take a sandwich and a cold coffee, thanks.” I rattled off their orders on my phone, then drove to Cayden’s school to find him already standing at the gate, alone. I honked once, catching his attention. He smiled widely and ran towards the car, opening the door and hopping inside. Once we reached the park, he grabbed my hand and dragged me toward the pond where the ducklings were. “Daddy, look! Ducklings!” “Yes, Matt, I see them too. What flavor ice cream do you want?” “Can I have banana ice cream?” He clapped excitedly, then turned back to the ducklings. “Can I stay here, Daddy? I promise not to run away.” He gave me puppy-dog eyes. Damn it, all my resolve crumbled. “Okay, but no running away.” He nodded eagerly, giving me a thumbs-up. I should probably keep a closer eye on him.
Matthew’s POV: “Here, miss. How much do I still owe for this month?” I handed the envelope to the nurse at the counter as she counted the bills carefully. I’d put an entire day’s salary into it, totaling $270. “$3780.” She replied shortly. Thanking her, I walked into my mother’s ward 175 and sat beside her as usual. “Hi, Mom. I’m here to see you again. You look better today. You’re going to wake up soon, right?” I stared at her lifeless body, hooked up to machines, as tears welled in my eyes. “I miss you, Mom. I miss your smile, your laughter, your cooking, your lame jokes, but I miss them. Most of all, I miss your hugs and your love. Please wake up, Mommy. I miss you so much.” I wiped my tears away and looked at her, still lying motionless. If only I had fought harder for myself. If only she hadn’t come home. If only *he* didn’t exist at all. If he never existed, Mom wouldn’t be lying here like this. “I have to go to work now, Mom. I’ll see you again next time.” I kissed her hand, then walked to the convenience store to nibble on a packet of crackers. A box of two packets cost only $1. It would have to curb my hunger until tomorrow morning. $11.20 left for two weeks…I can manage it.
The crackers Matthew eats ^
Emily ^
Cayden Matthew Valentine ^