But not just any sippy cup—this one was perfect. It was insulated stainless steel, which meant it would keep drinks cold for hours. The color was a soft gray-blue. And on the side, embossed in white, was the face of a baby elephant.
A baby elephant.
Just like the pajamas.
My Secret Santa was amazing. Really freaking amazing.
"Oh," I breathed, turning the cup in my hands. The elephant had long eyelashes and a sweet smile, and something about it made me want to cry.
"That's adorable," Simon said, sitting up fully. "Your Secret Santa has a theme going."
"They do, don't they?" I looked at him, excitement bubbling up. "It's perfect for me, right?!"
The words came out more enthusiastically than I'd intended, more little than I usually allowed myself to be in front of others. But instead of looking uncomfortable or weirded out, his expression went soft and warm.
"It's absolutely perfect for you," he confirmed. "Elephants seem to be your thing."
"I guess they are." I held the cup against my chest. "I never really thought about having a favorite animal before, but elephants are… they're good. They're gentle and smart, and they take care of their families."
"Just like someone else I know," Simon said quietly.
I felt my cheeks heat. "I'm going to use it today. For everything."
"Good." He stretched and climbed out of bed. "Come on. Let's get you some juice or something to put in it."
We went through our morning routine, and I carried my new sippy cup with me everywhere. At breakfast, I filled it with orange juice, delighted by how perfectly it fit in my hands. The spill-proof lid meant I didn't have to worry about making a mess, which was oddly freeing.
"That's a nice cup," Harlan commented as he set a plate of pancakes in front of me.
"My Secret Santa gave it to me," I said proudly. "It has an elephant on it. See?" I held it up to show him.
"Very cute." His eyes flicked to Simon for just a second, and something passed between them that I didn't understand. Then Harlan smiled at me. "Suits you."
After breakfast, Simon had to go check on some fencing that had been damaged by heavy winds last night. I wanted to go with him, but he insisted I should stay inside where it was warm.
"It's going to be boring work, bud. Just me and Jackson hammering posts for a few hours."
"I don't mind boring," I protested.
He cupped my face, his thumb brushing my cheek. "I know you don't. But you've been working hard helping Elton and everyone else. Take today to rest. Use those art supplies some more."
"But—"
"That's not a suggestion." His voice went firm, his Daddy voice, and I felt my resistance crumble. "You're going to stay inside, stay warm, and do something that makes you happy. Understand?"
"Yes, Daddy," I whispered, hyperaware that we were still in the kitchen where anyone could hear.
But no one batted an eye. This was the Coleman Ranch. Everyone here understood dynamics like ours.
Simon pressed a kiss to my forehead. "Good boy. I'll be back in a few hours."
After he left, I wandered upstairs with my sippy cup—now filled with water—and my art supplies. I settled onto the bed and opened one of the new coloring books, choosing a page with an intricate mandala design.
I lost myself in the meditative process of coloring, carefully selecting shades and blending colors together. My sippy cup sat beside me, and I sipped from it absently as I worked.
There was something soothing about this. About being small and safe and allowed to just… play.
I was so focused that I didn't hear the knock on the door until it came a second time.
