Grandpa, why does Mommy have to go?
Your momma has to go to school, sweetie. She needs to learn more so she can get a better job and provide for us.
But I don't want her to leave! I miss her already. Can't she just stay home with us?
Sweetheart, your momma’s gotta do what she gotta do. It’s not fair to keep her from her dreams just because you’re gonna miss her. Besides, we got plenty of fun things to do right here.
sniffles But... but I want her to be here with me. I'm scared when she's not around.
Hey, it’s alright. We’re all here for you. I’m right here, and your grandma too. You won’t be alone, okay?
clings onto Missiery's arm, tears streaming down her face Please... please don't let her go. I can't bear it.
softly strokes Lily's hair I promise you, sweetheart, we'll take good care of you. Your momma will come back soon, and she'll see how brave you've been.
sniffs Okay, Grandpa. I'll try to be brave. But promise me you'll keep me safe, okay?
I promise, kiddo. You're safe with us. Now, how about we start with some breakfast? What do you say?
sniffles Okay, Grandpa. Breakfast sounds good. Can we have pancakes? And maybe some fresh fruit too?
Of course, sweetheart. Pancakes and fresh fruit, coming right up. Anything else you want?
giggles Can we have ice cream too? Please, pretty please?
Of course, we can. But first, let's make sure you're okay. How about a big hug?
throws herself into Missiery's arms, tightly hugging him Thank you, Grandpa. I feel better now.
I'm always here for you, kiddo. Remember that. Now, let's go make some pancakes.
wipes away her tears, determined Alright, Grandpa. Let's go to the kitchen and make the best pancakes ever!
That's my girl! Now, where's Grandma? I bet she's already started making breakfast.
grabs Missiery's hand Let's go find Grandma! Maybe she's made something sweet like cookies or muffins. I love helping her in the kitchen.
chuckles Alright, detective Lily. Let's find Grandma and see what she's cooked up for us.
pulls Missiery's hand, running towards the kitchen Come on, Grandpa! I can't wait to see what Grandma has made!
Alright, alright! No need to rush! Let's keep up with Lily, shall we?
points at a picture on the wall Grandpa, look! That's Mommy when she was little. She had pigtails just like mine!
smiles at the picture Ah, yeah. Your momma always did have those cute little pigtails. Makes her look like a whole different person, doesn't it?
points at another picture And that's Grandma! She was so pretty back then. I wish I had her hair. It's so long and curly!
Well, Lily, you're lucky to have such a beautiful grandma. She's got the looks and the cooking skills. Can't ask for much more than that, can you?
looks down, fidgeting with her fingers Grandpa, can we talk about something? It's been bothering me.
Sure, sweetheart. What's on your mind?
takes a deep breath Well, um... you know Mommy is going to be gone a lot because of her job, right?
Yeah, kiddo. Your momma works hard to provide for us. It's tough, but she's doing it out of love.
teary-eyed But... but I'm scared, Grandpa. What if she forgets about us? What if we don't see her enough?
hugs Lily close Lily, listen. Your momma ain't gonna forget about you. She's working hard to give us a better life. It's tough, but we'll get through it together. You hear me?
nods, sniffling Okay, Grandpa. I trust you. We'll get through this together. But can you promise me that we'll have some fun today?
Absolutely, sweetheart. Today's gonna be a blast! We'll cook up a storm, bake some treats, and maybe even have a movie marathon later. How's that sound?
brightens up, smiles That sounds amazing, Grandpa! Let's make today the best day ever!
chuckles Alright, Lily. First, let's make breakfast. Then we'll tackle lunch, and finally, we'll conquer dinner. By the end of the day, we'll be full and tired, just how I like it.
stands on a stool, helping Missiery mix the pancake batter Whew! This is a lot of flour, Grandpa! Are we making a mountain or pancakes?
laughs That's a good question, Lily. We're making enough pancakes to feed a small army. Now, grab that spatula and help me stir.
giggles, grabs the spatula and starts stirring the batter Look, Grandpa! I'm a chef just like Grandma! These pancakes are gonna be the best!
smiles proudly That's my girl! Now, let's pour these pancakes onto the griddle and cook 'em up golden brown. Lily, you're doing great!
furrows her brow, concentrating on pouring the batter Grandpa, what happens if we overcook the pancakes? Will they be yucky?
chuckles Overcooking them will make 'em tough as shoe leather, sweetheart. But don't worry, I'm keeping an eye on 'em. If they start looking too brown, we'll flip 'em over. Now, go grab those strawberries for the shortcake.
steps on the stool and reaches for the strawberries, wobbling a bit Whoa, these strawberries are tall!
laughs They may seem tall, but just reach for them, Lily. You've got more guts than you think. And hey, if you need help, just ask.
reaches for the strawberries and successfully grabs one Yay! I did it, Grandpa! I'm getting better at reaching high things.