I apologize for the slow and delayed updates...my muse is currently wandering off (again)...
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Niko wondered why the bedroom seemed more quiet as he finished brushing his teeth and preparing for the day. So many things have happened and changed in his life. It was far from the life he's gotten used to living alone although only over a year has passed. And although everything seemed to be spontaneous and whirlwind, he has not regretted it one bit.
Admittedly, he was rather impulsive with a lot of his decisions, having a family now has changed his perspective in life. He was already learning to be independent and responsible when he moved out of the family home and now, he upped his game when Riki came into his life.
When Kaia arrived, Niko's world shook a little bit. He had always dreamed of having a family, his own house and car. Riki, too, had mentioned about having her own house one day. So, Niko decided to sell some of their things since they couldn't really use most of it because of the lockdown.
Speaking of the lockdown, rules regarding physical social interactions had not changed much since the community quarantine was imposed. In fact, it had become a routine for protocols to shift between ECQ and GCQ every 3 months so as not to overwhelm patient care facilities too much and give those in authority to analyze and re-strategize what could be done. Stricter safety protocols were also in place where even during GCQ. Only one dedicated and designated adult could leave the home to do errands. This was Niko's 'one other job' aside from his 'desk' job and online classes. With Riki's help, he adapted and learned to purchase the correct items and even find alternatives that they could use. The only downside to all of this was that he couldn't immediately come close to Kaia even if the little girl would scream her head off every time he'd arrive from outside wanting to go to her Dada.
Riki feared that Kaia would soon resent and be afraid people in masks and now, PPEs. Although they didn't want to expose her yet to the use of gadgets and television, they tried to include her in other activities so that she could easily adapt to the 'new normal'. Niko's class were all too delighted to have little Kaia join them in their classes and clapped and cheered for her when she would participate in dancing and movement activities.
Riki would also bring Kaia to the balcony or to the rooftop for some outdoor activities so she would see other people and her Mom in masks. She would encourage Kaia to wave and say 'hello' to strangers in PPEs when they would pass by their building. Sometimes, Niko would be downstairs picking up purchases or buying Kaia's favorite taho so he would wave at her.
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Niko came out from the bedroom and saw that Kaia was quietly playing inside her play area (fenced in by a baby fence) while Riki washed the dishes. This had become a routine for them. They divided chores and were now beginning to teach Kaia to clean up after herself.
Niko sat on the sofa and watched his wife and child. He had been doing this a lot these days.
