Parents.. with different treatment

Road trip

The Brock family had been planning a road trip for weeks, and finally, the day had come. They packed the car early in the morning, filling it with snacks, toys, blankets, and enough games to keep everyone entertained for hours.

Colby took the wheel, glancing back with a grin as he saw his little crew all buckled in. Valerie sat up front with him, already organizing the playlist to keep the mood lively. Victoria, now two, was strapped in her car seat, clutching her favorite stuffed animal, while Xander and Xavier, six and five, settled in for the long ride.

"Alright, let's hit the road!" Colby announced, pulling out of the driveway.

As they cruised down the highway, Xander's energy kicked in. He loved watching the scenery blur by, and every so often, he'd call out whenever he spotted a cool car or an unusual cloud shape. Valerie handed him a small notebook and colored pencils, letting him sketch whatever he saw. It helped him stay focused and calm, and he filled pages with his drawings.

Xavier, always the entertainer, had fun with the trivia games Valerie had brought along. He quizzed everyone on random facts, sometimes making them up just to hear Victoria giggle. His little sister was fascinated by his silly questions, and her laughter filled the car.

They stopped at a rest area to stretch and have a picnic lunch. Xander and Xavier chased each other around, racing across the grass while Colby and Valerie unpacked sandwiches and fruit. Victoria toddled over to her brothers, her little legs pumping with excitement as she tried to keep up with them.

As they piled back into the car and the road stretched on, the sky began to dim. Colby put on a gentle playlist, and soon Victoria dozed off, clutching her plush toy, while Xavier leaned on Xander's shoulder, their little faces peaceful. Valerie smiled, reaching over to squeeze Colby's hand as the car hummed along in the quiet.

The Brock family was on a journey, but it was these moments together – the laughter, the little games, and the warmth of just being close – that made the road trip unforgettable.