Hi babe I just sended Cassie and Gregory to sleep
Ilehouts
That's nice dear.
Oh babe! I forgot something I need to tell you…pauses nervously
Ilehouts
Yes?
I...I-I found something in Gregory's room...It's a letter... It's addressed to you. Her voice shakes
Ilehouts
?
Do you want me to read it? She looks at him, holding the letter tightly
Ilehouts
Sure
takes a deep breath and reads the letter "Daddy... mommy says you're going on a trip... for a week... you'll be back before my birthday, right? I'll miss you so much... love, Gregory"
Ilehouts
Damn, I have to leave?
tears start forming in her eyes Oh sweetheart, why didn't you tell me? I've been planning a surprise party for Gregory's birthday next week...
Ilehouts
Baby why you buy 3 wolvarines costumes if Gregory not a wolvarine. he hug his wife
sniffles, wiping away tears Babe, I bought the costumes because...because I thought you were going to be home for his birthday.
Ilehouts
Baby, I'm sorry he kiss her cheek
It's okay smiles through her tears I guess we'll have to celebrate when you get back. And maybe we can make it an extra special surprise for Gregory.
Ilehouts
Sorry babe, but I have to leave
puts on a brave face I understand, baby. Just promise me you'll come back safe and sound. I'll take care of everything here, don't worry.
Ilehouts
he hug his wife Promise
I know it's last minute, but I think it would be best if I took the kids to visit their grandma while you're away. They always have so much fun there.
Ilehouts
Alright.
picks up her phone Let me give Grandma a call and see if she's available to watch them. dials Grandma's number
Ilehouts
later that day he leaves
hangs up the phone and sighs in relief Grandma said she'd be more than happy to watch the kids. She's really good with them, and they love spending time with her. Now I just need to pack their bags and get everything ready for their trip. starts gathering the kids' clothes and toys Alright, let's get this done quickly so they can have a smooth and enjoyable trip. efficiently packs the bags, making sure to include everything they'll need There, all packed! Now I just need to double-check that I haven't forgotten anything. goes through the list in her head, making sure they have enough snacks, medications, and entertainment for the road Okay, I think that's everything. grabs the bags and heads towards the door Time to get the kids and head to Grandma's. knocks on Gregory and Cassie's doors Kids, it's time to go! Remember to say goodbye to your daddy before we leave.
Ilehouts
.
waits anxiously outside Gregory and Cassie's rooms Come on, kids, let's go! knocks again on Gregory's door, then Cassie's
Ilehouts
Gregory come out Dad? Why you leaving?
approaches Gregory with a warm smile Sweetie, Daddy has to go on a business trip for a week. But don't worry, you're going to have the best time ever with Grandma! She's going to spoil you rotten and make sure you have everything you need. Plus, you'll get to spend some quality time with her, and I know how much you love Grandma. It's going to be an amazing adventure for all of you. puts her arm around Gregory's shoulder and looks into his eyes You'll do great, buddy. Just remember to be brave and have fun. Grandma will take care of everything.
Ilehouts
Okay son. he hugged his son
holds back tears as she hugs Gregory tightly I love you so much, Gregory. You're growing up so fast. gently lets go of the hug Now, come on, let's go get Cassie and head to Grandma's. I know she's waiting for us. leads Gregory towards Cassie's room Cassie, sweetie, it's time to go! Grandma is waiting for us. knocks on Cassie's door
Ilehouts
Gregory look confused, then Gregory understand
wipes away tears Don't worry, Gregory. We're going to have the best time together. Grandma loves having us over and always knows how to make it fun. takes Gregory's hand and walks with him towards Cassie's room Cassie, babe, it's time to go! Grandma is waiting for us. knocks on Cassie's door again
Ilehouts
Cassie open the door Why mom go?
leans down to Cassie's level, speaking softly Sweetie, Mommy has to go on a trip for a little while. But don't worry, I've arranged for you to spend some wonderful time with Grandma. You'll have so much fun together, I promise. Grandma will take care of everything and make sure you're safe and loved. Plus, you'll get to spend some quality time with your big brother Gregory. gently wipes away Cassie's tears It's going to be an amazing adventure for all of us. Just remember to be brave and have fun, okay? hugs Cassie tightly I love you so much, baby girl.
Ilehouts
Bye son bye daughter he give both children a cookie and kisses them
hugs her children tightly I love you both so much. Take care of yourselves and each other, alright? Grandma will be here soon to take you to your adventures. kisses Gregory and Cassie on their foreheads Now, let's say our goodbyes and make sure everything is packed. Grandma is waiting for us. leads the kids towards the door Come on, let's go and have the best time ever. grabs the kids' hands and walks towards the car
Ilehouts
Drive safe, my love he open the door for his wife
gets into the car and buckles up, starts the engine Alright, kids, let's get this show on the road! gives a cheerful smile
Ilehouts
the family drive off
drives carefully, keeping an eye on the road Alright, everyone, buckle up and make sure you're comfortable. It's going to be a long but fun journey to Grandma's. checks the rearview mirror to make sure everyone is settled Gregory, Cassie, why don't you two play a game to pass the time? Maybe we can play I Spy or 20 Questions. adjusts the temperature and switches on some fun music Alright, let's get this party started! Who wants to go first? Gregory, why don't you start us off?
Ilehouts
hours later
glances at the clock Wow, it feels like we've been driving for hours already. I hope the kids aren't getting tired. turns on the radio to a kid-friendly station Hey kids, let's sing along to some fun songs! starts belting out the lyrics to a popular children's song Come on, Gregory, Cassie, sing with me!
Ilehouts
half hour later
glances in the rearview mirror and sees Gregory and Cassie fighting Uh-oh, looks like we've got a little argument going on in the backseat. Gregory, Cassie, what's going on? pulls over to the side of the road
Ilehouts
What happened?
looks at Gregory and Cassie with a serious expression What did you two fight about? Please, be honest with me. pauses and takes a deep breath
Ilehouts
Gregory. Speak up.
crosses her arms and gives Gregory a stern look Gregory, I expect you to speak up and tell me what happened. No more secrets, remember?
Ilehouts
Yeah. Me too.
waits patiently for Gregory to explain himself Gregory, please tell me what happened. I need to know what's going on.