"See, divide it into three strands," I demonstrated. "Then cross them over."
With my guidance, Stella ended up with a pretty French braid. Igor insisted on trying the other side; it turned out better this time, though still a bit asymmetrical compared to mine.
"Forget it," I said, laughing as I pushed him aside. "I'll finish it."
"I'll master it," he said, standing up and kissing the top of Stella's head. "Next time, definitely."
"Next time, leave her hair alone," I teased.
"I won't give up," he replied, his gaze as intense as if he were plotting to take down a rival family.
Damn it, he was so serious even about braiding hair. I complained out loud, but inside, it warmed my heart completely.
The amusement park was packed with people.
Stella was buzzing with excitement like a little sparrow, pulling Igor by the hand everywhere. This man, who usually walked with an air of deadly menace, let his five-year-old daughter drag him along without resistance.
"Daddy, I want to ride that!" Stella pointed at the carousel.
I saw Igor's face stiffen for a moment. The horses were all pink,covered in glittering decorations—totally at odds with his tough-guy image.
"Okay," he said anyway.
Watching his six-foot-four frame squeeze into that tiny carousel seat, his long legs with nowhere to go, I nearly burst out laughing.
"Don't laugh," he glared at me.
"I'm not," I said, holding up my phone. "Just taking a photo to remember this."
"Elena—"
"Daddy, look at me!" Stella waved from the horse next to him. "We're flying!"
Igor's expression softened immediately. "Yes, baby. We're flying."
The music started, and the carousel spun. Stella laughed with pure joy, while Igor—this decisive, ruthless mafia boss—did his best to look like he was enjoying it. My heart felt impossibly full.
After the ride, Stella spotted a prize at the shooting game: a massive teddy bear.
"You have to hit all the targets to win," the vendor said.
"My daddy can do it!" Stella said confidently.
Igor paid the fee. The vendor smirked, looking at him like an easy mark. Igor picked up the plastic air gun, weighed it in his hand, and aimed.
Five shots rang out. Five targets fell. Perfect score. The vendor's smile vanished.
"Another five," Igor said, setting down the gun and picking up a second one.
Another flawless round. A crowd started to gather, people whispering in awe about the tall man's shooting skills.
"Daddy's so awesome!" Stella jumped up and clapped.
The vendor, looking pale, reluctantly handed over the giant teddy bear.
"Here you go, baby," Igor said, passing it to her. The bear was almost as big as she was.
"Thank you, Daddy!" Stella hugged it tightly, thrilledbeyond words.
