Chenford family

Little Ears, Big Worries

One bright morning, Lucy noticed something unusual as she moved about the kitchen, getting breakfast ready. Eliana, usually all giggles and hugs for her daddy, was glaring at Tim from across the table, her little arms crossed and her face scrunched in a tiny pout. Tim, for his part, had no idea what was going on but couldn't help but chuckle at the serious expression on his three-year-old's face.

After the boys went off, to play, he decided to finally ask what the problem is.
Tim- Eliana, sweetie, what's up?

Eliana just gave him a little huff, her lips pressed together, and looked away. Lucy raised an eyebrow, hiding a smile, and leaned down to her.

Lucy- What's wrong, sweetie? Why are you so upset with Daddy this morning?

Eliana's brows furrowed even deeper as she looked up at her mom with all the intensity her tiny face could muster.

Eliana- Daddy was hurting you, Mommy!

Lucy blinked in surprise, glancing at Tim, who looked just as bewildered.

Lucy- Hurting me? When did Daddy hurt me?

Eliana leaned in close, her little voice dropping to a whisper as she shared her big secret.

Eliana- Last night! I heard you, Mommy. You were yelling, and Daddy was saying things too.

Lucy's eyes widened as the pieces came together, and she stole a glance at Tim, who looked like he might burst out laughing at any second.

Lucy- Oh, honey...you thought Daddy was hurting me?

Eliana nodded, her little eyes welling up with tears.

Eliana- You were yelling! And Daddy was mumbling something!

Lucy tried to hold back a smile, glancing over at Tim, who had turned red, desperately trying to stifle his laughter. Composing herself, Lucy wrapped her arms around Eliana, giving her a reassuring squeeze.

Lucy- Thank you for caring so much, sweetie. But I promise, Daddy wasn't hurting me.

Eliana- Then, why were you yelling.

Lucy pulled Eliana into her lap, giving her a reassuring hug as she thought of the gentlest way to explain things.

Lucy- Oh, sweetheart, thank you for looking out for me. But I promise, Daddy wasn't hurting me at all. Last night, we were just... playing a little game that grown-ups play. Sometimes we just get a bit too noisy when we're having fun.

Eliana looked up at her, her little brow furrowed in concentration.

Eliana- A game? Like hide-and-seek?

Lucy smiled, doing her best to keep a straight face.

Lucy- Not quite, honey. More like... just talking and laughing a lot. We didn't mean to be so loud!

Eliana seemed to consider this, finally nodding, though a bit skeptical.

Eliana- Okay... but it sounded funny.

Lucy bit back a laugh and kissed her daughter's forehead.

Lucy- I'll tell you what, next time Daddy and I will make sure to play our games a little quieter. And thank you for being such a good listener and always taking care of me.

Eliana beamed, clearly pleased to be such an important helper, then reached up and wrapped her arms around her mom in a big hug.

Eliana, satisfied with her mom's answer, hopped off Lucy's lap and ran off to join her brothers, her earlier concern forgotten. As soon as she was out of earshot, Lucy and Tim exchanged a look, both struggling to hold in their laughter. Lucy raised a finger in warning, her lips pressed together, shaking her head at him.

Lucy- Don't. Say. A word.

Tim grinned, his eyes twinkling with barely contained amusement, but he stayed quiet... for all of three seconds.

Tim- (whispering) So... we're "playing games" now?

Lucy shot him a look, unable to stop the smirk creeping onto her face.

Lucy- Apparently. Guess that's what happens when we get a little too... competitive.

Tim laughed softly, leaning over to kiss her cheek.

Tim- Noted. Next "game night" we'll try to keep the noise level down. Just to keep our curious little protector from worrying.

Lucy chuckled, rolling her eyes as she leaned into his shoulder.