Chenford family

Little Ears, Big Words

The morning chaos was the usual whirlwind in the Bradford household. Between matching socks, packing lunches, and wrangling five kids into their respective vehicles, it was a miracle Tim and Lucy didn't need a full pot of coffee before 8 a.m.

"Tim, you've got the twins and Tayden! I'll take the little ones and Ethan!" Lucy called as she balanced Eliana on one hip and handed Alexander his backpack.

Tim saluted her with his thermos. "On it, boss."

Within minutes, the kids were divided and en route to their destinations. The day seemed to be settling into its usual routine—until Lucy's phone buzzed.

"Mrs. Bradford, this is the school nurse," the voice on the other end began. "William isn't feeling well—he says his stomach hurts, and he's a little pale. Can you come pick him up?"

Lucy didn't hesitate. "Of course. I'll be there in ten minutes."

By the time she arrived at the elementary school, William looked small and tired, sitting in the nurse's office with his head resting on his knees.

"Hi, sweetie," Lucy said gently, crouching to his level. "Let's get you home."

William nodded, snuggling into her side as they walked to the car.

Lucy had intended to bring William straight home, but as she drove, a thought struck her. She had an important case at the station, and while Tim's office was often a chaotic mess, it was also the perfect quiet place to keep William close. She made a quick call to Tim to clear the idea.

"Bring him," Tim said without hesitation. "Unless he's feeling too bad or something."

At the station, Lucy settled William on the couch in Tim's office. She tucking him in like she would at home. His color was starting to come back, and after sipping some water and nibbling on a cracker, he even perked up enough to watch cartoons on Lucy's tablet.

"You feeling a bit better?" she asked, brushing his hair back.

William nodded. "Yeah, Mommy. I think so."

The hours passed, and by early afternoon, William was almost back to his usual self. Lucy had to step out to meet with a colleague about her case, but she didn't want to leave William completely unattended. Spotting Angela in the hallway, Lucy took that opportunity.

"Hey, Angela," Lucy said, flagging her down. "Could you keep an eye on William for a little while? He's in Tim's office."

Angela smiled warmly. "Of course. Poor kiddo—he okay?"

"Yeah, I think it was just a little bug. He's feeling much better now," Lucy said. "I just need about twenty minutes."

"Don't worry. I've got him," Angela reassured her.

Angela entered Tim's office to find William sitting up, flipping through a book on dinosaurs. He looked up and grinned. "Hi, Auntie Angela!"

"Hey, buddy!" Angela said, plopping into the chair next to the couch. "What're you reading?"

William launched into an enthusiastic explanation of the T-Rex's sharp teeth and the Stegosaurus's cool plates. Angela listened intently, occasionally asking questions that made him giggle.

After a few minutes, William grew quiet, his little brow furrowing.

"You okay?" Angela asked.

William hesitated, then looked up at her with wide eyes. "Can I tell you something, Auntie Angela?"

"Of course, sweetie. What's on your mind?"

William leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "It's about Mommy and Daddy."