The morning sun filters through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over the small space as Earth and Edin sit at the table, their breakfast laid out in front of them. Edin swings his legs excitedly under the table, barely able to sit still as he munches on his toast.
“Hey, buddy,” Earth says, glancing up from his plate. A smile forming in his lips. “You know what’s coming up next week?”
Edin’s eyes light up instantly, his little hands reaching up to count on his fingers. “My birthday!” he exclaims, his voice bubbling with excitement.
“I’m gonna be five!” He proudly holds up all five fingers, wiggling them in the air as if to emphasize the importance of the number.
Earth chuckles, his heart swelling at the sight of his son’s joy. “That’s right,” he says, reaching over to ruffle Edin’s hair. “You’re growing so fast.”
Edin nods enthusiastically, puffing out his chest. “I’m a big boy now. Strong enough to help Daddy fight monsters!” He strikes a little pose, flexing his tiny arms as if to prove his strength.
Earth can’t help but laugh, the sound light and full of affection. “I don’t doubt that for a second, champ. You’re gonna be my number one monster hunter.”
They finish the rest of breakfast, Edin still chattering away about all the exciting things he plans to do now that he’s “so big.” Earth listens fondly, his heart warm with pride, though a part of him aches a little at how fast his son seems to be growing up.
Once breakfast is done, Earth clears the plates while Edin scrambles off to grab his shoes, ready to head out for preschool.
“Daddy, let’s go!” Edin calls from the hallway, his small hands already working furiously to tie his laces, though his impatience often gets the better of him.
Earth walks over, crouching down to help Edin with the laces. “Hold still, champ. Let me help.”
Edin stands still for a moment, but his mind is still swirling with excitement.
“You think Teacher Mix knows it’s my birthday next week?” Edin says with wide, worried eyes.
“I’m sure Teacher Mix remembers,” Earth reassures him with a smile as he finishes tying Edin’s shoes. Mix keeps tally of his pupils birthdays, it's the class' tradition to sing for the celebrant.
“How could anyone forget something as important as your birthday?” Earth adds, his smile knowing.
Edin relaxes, smiling again. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”
At preschool, Edin is a whirlwind of energy. The moment he walks through the door, it’s as if the entire room shifts to match his excitement. His small frame is bursting with enthusiasm, and every step seems to have an extra bounce as he races to tell anyone who will listen about the big day approaching. His bright eyes dart around, searching for one person in particular, and when they land on Mix, his entire face lights up with pure joy.
Without a second thought, Edin bolts across the room, his small feet tapping against the floor, and he throws his little arms around Mix's legs in a tight hug.
“Teacher Mix! Guess what?” he blurts out, barely able to contain himself, his voice already rising with excitement.
Mix, who had been arranging some activities for the day, feels the tug at his legs and looks down with a grin. He immediately kneels to Edin’s level, his eyes warm and full of playfulness.
“Hmm… let me think,” he says, tapping his chin with exaggerated thoughtfulness, his eyes twinkling as Edin stares at him, practically vibrating with anticipation.
