𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬

EPILOGUE

Lychee being the bestest boy above.

cingulomania 

(n.) a strong desire to hold a person in your arms

Sitting on the patio chairs to breathe in the cool morning air, Chris ran his fingers through Dodger's fur as he contemplated the future. He wondered whether or not he had the potential to be a good father. Having watched Kiara's interactions with children, he had no doubt in his mind that she would make an amazing mother. When it came to himself, however, he remained fearful that his faults would influence his child's outlook. His anxiety and insecurities would do nothing but harm both his wife and child but he didn't know any other way to be.

Kiara padded over to Chris from behind, wrapped in a bathrobe as she placed gentle hands on his shoulders and rubbed small circles on his skin. The clicking of paws against the floor sounded as Lychee scrambled to follow behind. Each time she went back to volunteer at the animal shelter, she would return feeling miserable that he hadn't been adopted so the first thing Chris did after they bought a house together was adopt him. The Doberman puppy still loved her the most, which didn't go down too well with Dodger while Chris was pushed to the last priority as they competed for her attention.

Leaning over to kiss his cheek, Kiara moved to sit in the chair beside Chris as a chill ran through her body and she tucked her feet under herself to keep warm. He smiled slightly upon noticing the fluffy pink socks she adorned– the same pair she wore on their first date, and that weight on his chest felt a little lighter already.

Remaining silent for a few seconds, she observed him and tentatively asked, "Penny for your thoughts?"

For a moment she thought he hadn't heard her but then he exhaled heavily, "How do I guarantee I'll be a good father? What's the secret?"

She bit her lip, finding it adorable that he was so concerned, "There is not one person who immediately knows how to be the perfect parent. As cheesy as it sounds, we learn through our mistakes. Every child is different and requires different approaches to care but we'll only learn which method suits our baby by trying."

Trying to stay positive, he wore a strained smile, "I think I like you being cheesy."

Not more than a few seconds after trying to relax, Chris' knee started bouncing rapidly as he created various worst case scenarios in his head. Restlessly running his hands through his hair, he rose from his chair to pace back and forth. Kiara frowned, feeling helpless as she watched her stressed husband doubt his own parental abilities unnecessarily. 

Suddenly coming up with an idea, she stood and quickly waddled downstairs as he watched her retreating form in shock and confusion. She returned a few minutes later, hiding something behind her back. Her dimples threatened to show as she tried to hide her coy smile, making him sweat while he waited patiently. Deciding she had made him suffer enough, she extended her hand to proudly display her creation.

Upon seeing the egg with the cutest face drawn onto its surface, he burst out laughing, "What the fuck?"

She pouted, "It's your assignment."

"My assignment?"

"For the next twenty four hours, I want you to consider this egg as our baby. Your only task is to make sure our baby stays safe and happy. How does that sound?"