Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
You stretched out on the couch, adjusting the cozy blanket you’d wrapped around yourself and your four-year-old daughter, Penelope. The familiar opening of Cinderella filled the room, and you glanced down at your daughter, who was leaning heavily into your side with tired, slightly glassy eyes. Normally, Penelope would be full of giggles and chattering through the movie, but tonight she was quiet, eyes fixed on the screen without her usual animated expressions.
You frowned slightly, pressing a gentle kiss to Penelope's forehead. “P, are you feeling okay?” yoi asked, brushing her daughter’s dark curls back.
Penelope nodded, but it was a slow, lethargic nod. “I’m okay, Mommy, just miss daddy” she said softly, her little hand reaching out to hold onto your fingers. She seemed to relax a bit when you held her hand, and you squeezed it gently, rubbing your thumb along the tiny fingers, feeling her heart swell with warmth despite her own discomfort.
It had been a rough day. Your period had hit you with full force—cramps, fatigue, and the uncomfortable heaviness you always dreaded. Kike had a team dinner tonight, so it was just you and Penelope. Normally, you’d welcome a girls’ night, but today you found herself wishing Kike were here. He always knew how to make you feel better, somehow lightening the weight of everything.
As Cinderella continued, you focused on the movie, occasionally glancing at your phone to check the time. Just as Cinderella and the prince began to dance, you heard the faint jingle of keys from outside, followed by the soft creak of the front door opening. You glanced up, your face immediately brightening as Kike stepped into the living room, looking around until he saw you and Penelope snuggled up on the couch.
“Hola, mi amor,” he said warmly, walking over and leaning down to give you a soft kiss. “Hola, princesa,” he murmured to Penelope, who perked up slightly, her tired eyes lighting up as she reached for him.
“Daddy!” she whispered, stretching her arms toward him. Kike immediately scooped her up, lifting her into his arms and cradling her against his chest.
Kike gently rocked her back and forth, rubbing her back soothingly. “Hola, mi princesa. Long day, huh?” he asked, noticing how she snuggled deeper into his embrace, her little hand clutching his shirt.
You watched them with a warm smile, but Kike noticed the slight tiredness in your eyes, the way you sank a little deeper into the couch cushions. “¿Que pasa, mi amor?” he asked, tilting his head. “Everything okay?”
You managed a small smile and mouthed, “Later.” Kike nodded, giving your shoulder a gentle squeeze, then turned his attention back to Penelope.
“Alright, princesa, it’s time for bed,” he said softly. Penelope let out a tiny sigh, but she nodded, resting her head on his shoulder.
“Will you carry me, Daddy?” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Of course,” Kike replied, giving her a comforting smile. He walked toward the stairs, and you watched as he whispered quietly to their daughter, his voice a soft murmur as he told her a bedtime story about a brave princess named Penelope who saved her kingdom.
