Yours, Until Needed
Chapter 155: A Day in His Life [END]

Chapter 155: A Day in His Life [END]

LIAM

Just a few moments ago, children’s laughter echoed through the villa because the perfect afternoon sun signaled the best time for afternoon play.

But that was earlier. Now, even if their Grandparents kept reminding them ’to stop and smell the flowers’ every now and then, there was no way little Liam could appreciate the scent of blooming jasmines.

Liam’s little legs pumped furiously as he darted through the maze of the vacation villa; his dark hair bounced with each step.

The reason? He was in the middle of running for his life.

Hide-and-seek was serious business, especially when Aunt Lily was the seeker. At nine years old, she was practically a professional, with laser-sharp eyes and the patience of a cat stalking a mouse. On the other hand, Liam was four—a rookie in the stealth game.

There was no need to even mention other things, but Liam couldn’t even run around as fast as those whose legs were double his height.

He thought of going into the pantry. Too obvious. Under the dining table? Too risky—Lily had already checked their last round and found his cousin.

Finally, he spotted the perfect hiding place: behind the big, fluffy curtains in the living room. It was strategic, brilliant even! And the four-year-old thought he would finally make it this round.

But as Liam tiptoed closer, he froze.

There, behind *his* genius hiding spot, were his parents.

Together.

Again.

"Hey!" Liam whispered indignantly, his tiny hands on his hips and his stomach jutting out. "You’re supposed to hide separately!"

But, of course, those two didn’t notice him at first and were just happily hugging each other while Liam had been panting for his life.

His tall Dad leaned closer to his Mom and whispered something that made her giggle. She then tapped his arm like she usually did when his Dad said something crazy, well, according to his mom.

Then Liam remembered how his Dad told him to let his Mommy have her alone time so she could relax while they were all on vacation.

He was particular and told Liam to play with everyone else first.

So why was Daddy hogging Mommy all to himself while Liam had to run around on his own?

That didn’t seem fair.

Hmm.

But since they didn’t notice him and kept talking, Liam thought hiding somewhere here would be perfect.

At least when Auntie Lily comes, she’d see them first and would likely not think about another person hiding in the same area.

What a clever idea!

So, he crouched down behind the sofa, arms crossed and still pouting, and listened as they talked about "the old days."

His Dad, who is usually serious and gruff when telling Liam to pick up his toys or eat his vegetables, was smiling like a goofball.

Liam tilted his head.

Even after being alive for four long years, Liam still felt his Dad was a bit weird around Mommy; he was different, softer, and happier.

It’s not that his Dad was bad. In fact, he was so great that everyone at the daycare liked seeing him whenever they went on play dates.

Liam had always been around his parents and wasn’t sure what they meant by "handsome and beautiful." After all, those two people had been his view all his life.

But because so many people had said it, then Liam had learned to be proud that his parents were the best.

Liam studied his Mommy for a moment. She really was really great, wasn’t she? Everyone said so—Aunt Lily, his cousins, and even the neighbor’s dog, who always wagged its tail extra hard when his Mom gave it treats, also agreed. Her cookies were unmatched, and she always let him have an extra one when his Daddy wasn’t looking. Plus, she helped him hide snacks for later, which made her an excellent accomplice.

Liam loved his parents, and like his Dad, he loved his Mom extra hard.

So, he vowed to find someone like his Mommy when he grew up. Someone who baked excellent cookies and laughed at his jokes—even the ones that didn’t make sense.

It was even okay if she burned a few things here and there, provided she could make pancakes as great as his Mom’s!

But just as Liam was forming this life plan in his head, disaster struck: he sneezed.

Loudly.

His Dad’s head whipped around, zeroing in on the sound before walking toward the couch.

"Liam!" he exclaimed, his stern-dad voice kicking in for a split second before softening into a chuckle. "What are you doing here?"

Liam scrambled for an excuse. "I... I was protecting you! From Aunt Lily!" he declared wide-eyed, hoping they’d buy it.

His mom laughed and pulled him into her lap. "Well, aren’t you our little hero?" she said, kissing his forehead.

Liam sighed in relief.

He thought he was going to be punished and lose dessert rights for later’s dinner! They were supposed to have toasted marshmallows after, and he’d likely cry if he missed out on that.

"You’re lucky you look pitiful." His Dad said as he brushed a few of the leaves stuck in his shorts.

"You can join this time. But next round, you have to find another hiding spot!"

Liam wanted to protest that, technically, he found this himself and was a good boy who followed orders!

On the other hand, his dad, being too smart again, was breaking the rules!

But he didn’t have time to dwell on it because the three of them huddled together behind the curtain, giggling quietly as they heard Lily’s footsteps approaching. It felt like a secret club—just for them.

Of course, Aunt Lily found them within two minutes. She crossed her arms and gave them her best "grown-up" look. "Seriously? All three of you? That’s cheating!"

"You say that, but you have dog hair on you? You have Chester outside the door, right?" Asked his Dad, and Liam’s three worldviews were shattered as he finally discovered how he was always discovered fast!

"What?!"

Auntie Lily was going to deny it, but Chester, who heard his name, popped out, running to them with the force of a giant dog who had not seen his family in ten years.

But his indignation didn’t last long. He was too busy laughing with his Mom and Dad, feeling like the luckiest kid in the world—even if Aunt Lily was better at hide-and-seek.

Well, not for long!

[End of Main Story]