Pt 2 of them (continued ver)

Chapter 218

It was another rough evening for Carter. The day had been overwhelming, and now as the sun began to set, his emotions bubbled over. He sat in the middle of the living room floor, clutching his favorite dinosaur toy, tears streaming down his flushed cheeks.

Malia walked in, concerned. "Carter, sweetheart, what's wrong?" she asked gently, kneeling beside him. But Carter didn't respond. Instead, he wailed louder, his little fists tightening around his toy.

Colby, hearing the commotion from the kitchen, rushed in. "What's going on?" he asked, glancing at Malia.

"I'm not sure. He's been off all day," she said, her voice laced with worry. "Maybe he's overtired or not feeling well again."

Colby crouched down beside Carter, his tone calm and soothing. "Hey, buddy. Can you tell me what's wrong?"

But Carter only cried harder, pushing his toy aside and reaching for Colby. "Daddy," he sobbed, his voice shaky.

Colby picked him up without hesitation, holding him close. Carter buried his face in Colby's shoulder, his small hands gripping Colby's shirt tightly. "It's okay, I've got you," Colby murmured, rubbing his son's back in slow circles.

Liam, watching from the doorway, frowned. "Why is Carter crying again? He always gets picked up," he muttered, crossing his arms.

"Liam," Malia said, her voice firm but kind. "Carter's having a hard time right now. Let's give him some space, okay?"

Liam pouted but left the room, grumbling under his breath.

Colby carried Carter to the couch, sitting down and holding him close. Carter's cries began to soften into sniffles as Colby rocked him gently. "Shh, it's okay. Daddy's here," he said, kissing the top of Carter's head.

Malia came over with a warm bottle of milk and handed it to Colby. "Maybe this will help," she suggested softly.

Colby offered the bottle to Carter, who took it with trembling hands. He sipped it slowly, his body relaxing little by little. "See? That's better," Colby whispered.

By the time the bottle was empty, Carter's tears had stopped, though his face was still damp, and his cheeks were red. "Feeling a little better now?" Colby asked, wiping his face with a soft cloth.

Carter nodded weakly, leaning his head against Colby's chest. "Stay with Daddy," he murmured.

"I'm not going anywhere, buddy," Colby assured him, holding him close.

Malia smiled softly, sitting beside them. "Do you want to read a story together before bed?" she asked.

Carter nodded again, and for the first time all day, a small smile appeared on his face. Despite the tears and the difficult moments, the love and care of his family always managed to bring him comfort.