"Don't worry, you still have me." He took my hand. "I'll always take care of you and Leo."
Looking at him, warmth filled my chest. Thank God I still had Lorenzo by my side.
That evening, Lorenzo came to help me give Leo a bath.
"How's the water temperature? Too hot?"
"Just right." I lowered Leo into the baby tub. "Bath time, sweetheart."
"Gah gah!" Leo happily splashed the water, sending droplets flying everywhere.
"Whoa!" Lorenzo got splashed in the face. "You little rascal!"
I couldn't help laughing. "Leo, stop playing with the water."
"Gah!" Leo completely ignored me, his little hands continuing to splash.
"Watch this." Lorenzo held up a rubber duck to catch Leo's attention. "When you're bigger, I'll teach you how to swim."
"He's still too young."
"He'll grow up fast." He gently wiped the baby's arm. "Tara, when Leo's older, we can take him traveling."
Just then, Leo splashed again, this time soaking my face.
Lorenzo couldn't help but laugh. "Nice shot, little guy!"
"Don't encourage him!" I pretended to be annoyed and splashed water back at him.
The impromptu water fight filled the bathroom with laughter, Leo giggling delightedly in his tub.
"Truce! Truce!" I laughed, surrendering.
"You started it." Lorenzo's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Giving up?"
"I surrender!"
After wrapping Leo in a towel, I nudged the soaked Lorenzo toward the door. "Go change your clothes before you catch a cold."
"See you tomorrow." He left reluctantly.
After seeing Lorenzo off, I carried Leo back to the bedroom.
I changed him into clean pajamas and placed him in his crib.
"Sleep tight, okay?" I kissed his forehead.
"Gah gah..." He yawned, his little eyes slowly closing.
I sat beside the bed, watching him sleep. This kind of peaceful, warm routine—this was what real life should be.
The next day at noon, Leo babbled and pointed at the window. I followed his gaze—the figure behind the wooden sculpture was still there.
"Don't look that way, baby." I turned to block his view. "There's a bad man over there."
Leo blinked, seeming to half-understand.
The shop bell chimed. Lorenzo walked in carrying lunch. "Brought your favorite seafood chowder."
