Why Is He Back??

Daddy Daughter Day + Playdate

It was Friday, and Zack had taken the day off from his myriad business responsibilities. Tomorrow was a significant day-his daughter Zivia would be spending the night with him for the first time. Determined to make everything perfect for her, Zack found himself in the spare room, painting the walls a soft purple. Sweat dripped down his abs as he meticulously painted butterflies, each stroke filled with his desire to create a beautiful space for Zivia.

"Why is painting butterflies so damn hard?" he muttered under his breath, wiping sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. His shirt lay discarded on the floor, leaving him in just his track pants.

After what felt like hours, he finally finished the painting. He took a quick shower, washing away the paint and sweat, and emerged feeling somewhat refreshed. As he towel-dried his hair, he glanced at the IKEA box in the corner. It contained Zivia's new toddler bed, and assembling it was the next task on his list. He opened the box, pulled out the parts, and sat on the ground, his head in his hands.

"Why are these things so hard?" he groaned, staring at the instruction manual as if it were written in an alien language.

Just then, the door opened, and Mike walked in, holding a packet of Coronas and a box of pizza. He halted abruptly at the sight of Zack, who looked unusually disheveled. "What are you doing, Zack?" Mike asked, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise.

Zack looked up, startled. His perfectly set hair was now a tousled mess. "You know Zivia is gonna be spending time with me alone for the first time, so I want everything to be perfect for her," Zack replied, sounding like a child seeking approval.

Mike chuckled and set the pizza and beer down on the coffee table. "Okay, scoot over and tell me what help you need. I have the best experience in all this," he said, referring to his own twin daughters, Lily and Ryle, who were about the same age as Zivia.

Relief washed over Zack's face as Mike joined him on the floor. Together, they began the daunting task of assembling the bed.

"Remember that time we tried to build that bookshelf?" Mike asked, grinning.

"Yeah, we ended up with a very abstract sculpture instead," Zack replied, laughing.

Mike held up a tiny screw, squinting at it. "This thing is so small, I need a magnifying glass. Who designs these things?"

Zack snorted. "Probably someone who hates parents."

As they worked, the room slowly transformed. The purple walls with their butterfly decorations came to life, and the toddler bed began to take shape. They added plush toys, a soft rug, and a little bookshelf filled with storybooks.

Hours flew by, filled with laughter and the occasional curse when a piece didn't fit right. Finally, they stood back to admire their work. Zivia's room was ready, a perfect blend of comfort and whimsy.

"Not bad," Mike said, clapping Zack on the back.

"Thanks, Mike. I couldn't have done it without you," Zack replied sincerely.

They moved to the living room, pizza and Coronas in hand, and started playing Xbox. The camaraderie between them was evident as they bantered and competed in the game.

"So, how's Rose?" Zack asked, eyes on the screen.

"She's good. Keeps me on my toes," Mike replied, laughing. "Speaking of which..." Mike's phone rang, displaying Rose's name. He answered with a grin. "Hey, honey."

"Mike, where are you? The kids are waiting for you," Rose said, her voice a mix of exasperation and affection.

"Just finishing up here. I'll be home soon," Mike replied.