Crossing boundaries

118.

Freen's PoV

One night, after tucking her into bed between us, Kyen looked up at me with those big, curious eyes of hers. "Mama, why is the sky blue?"

I smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead. "Because the sunlight hits the atmosphere and scatters in all directions, but blue light is scattered more than other colors because it travels in shorter, smaller waves."

Kyen blinked, her little face scrunching up in concentration as she tried to make sense of my explanation. I could see the gears turning in her head, and I knew she was on the verge of asking another question.

Before she could, Becky swooped in with a mischievous grin. "Or maybe it's because the sky likes wearing blue, just like you do, Kyen."

Kyen giggled at Becky's playful answer, and I couldn't help but laugh along with them. Moments like these were what I cherished the most—the little exchanges, the playful banter, the way we all fit together so perfectly.

"And where's my kiss?" I pouted, pretending to be upset that Kyen had yet to give me one.

Kyen giggled again and quickly climbed onto my lap, planting a big, wet kiss on my cheek. "Here, Mama!"

I laughed, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "That's better."

Becky leaned in, playfully nudging Kyen aside. "Hey, what about me?"

Kyen grinned, planting a kiss on Becky's cheek too, before quickly turning back to me and covering my face in a flurry of tiny kisses. I pretended to be overwhelmed, falling back onto the bed with an exaggerated groan.

"Oh no! I'm being attacked!" I cried, making Kyen giggle even more.

Becky joined in, and soon all three of us were rolling around on the bed, tickling and laughing until our sides hurt. It was moments like this that made me realize how perfect our little family was, and how much love we all shared.

As the giggles finally subsided and Kyen snuggled up between us, I looked over at Becky, who was smiling softly at me.

"She's growing up so fast," I whispered, brushing a strand of hair from Kyen's forehead as she started to drift off to sleep.

"I know," Becky replied, her voice tinged with a mix of pride and melancholy. "It feels like just yesterday she was taking her first steps, and now look at her—talking up a storm, running around, always curious."

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I just want to freeze time, keep her like this forever."

Becky reached over and took my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "We can't stop her from growing up, but we can make sure she has the best childhood. And we'll be there for her every step of the way."

I smiled at her, feeling a sense of peace settle over me. "You're right. And we'll make sure she knows how much she's loved."

Kyen stirred in her sleep, mumbling something incoherent as she nestled deeper between us. I leaned down and kissed her forehead, feeling an overwhelming surge of love for our little girl.

As the room grew quiet, the only sound was the soft breathing of Kyen as she slept soundly between us. I looked over at Becky, who was gazing at our daughter with such tenderness that it made my heart swell.

"We're really lucky, aren't we?" Becky whispered, her eyes meeting mine.

"Yeah, we are," I replied, my voice thick with emotion. "And I wouldn't trade this for anything in the world."

We both fell silent, just watching Kyen sleep peacefully between us. There was so much joy, so much love in our little family. And as I lay there, holding Becky's hand and feeling the warmth of our daughter beside us, I knew that no matter what the future held, we would face it together, as a family.

The days were long, and the nights were often sleepless, but every challenge, every mess, every moment of exhaustion was worth it. Watching Kyen grow, seeing her take her first steps, hearing her speak her first words—it was all worth it. We were building a life, a future together, and nothing could be more precious than that.

And as Kyen started to stir again, her little hands reaching out in her sleep, I knew that we had so much to look forward to. More milestones, more memories, more love. Our future was bright, and with Becky and Kyen by my side, I was ready for anything.

As Kyen woke up, she opened her eyes, looking around with a sleepy expression. "Mama?" she murmured, reaching out for Becky.

Becky leaned down and kissed her cheek. "I'm here, baby."

Kyen smiled, then turned to me, her eyes lighting up. "And you too, Mama?"

I smiled back, my heart melting at the sight of her sleepy face. "I'm here too, sweetheart."

Kyen snuggled back between us, content and happy. And as we all lay there together, I knew that this was exactly where I was meant to be—right here, with my family, in this perfect moment.

And no matter what the future held, I knew we would face it together, with love, with laughter, and with the unbreakable bond that held us all together.

.......