Melanie's POV

The day after Aphmau had left to find Levin's birth parents, I got a house visit from Zoey saying she couldn't take care of Levin, asking if I could fulfill my end of the promise. I of course agreed.

I got to Levin and Zoey, and Zoey left me a crying Levin as she rushed off to do her own things. I tried quieting him down, but failed with shushing.

"Umm... Hey Levin? What if Auntie Mel sings you a song?" I asked, frantically trying to think of a song to sing. Then, I remembered a song that my mother once taught me when she dreamed of a man coming to take her away from me.

Some sad times with my mom... I thought as I remembered the lyrics and started singing.

Stay awake don't rest your head

Don't lie down upon your bed

While the moon drifts in the skies

Stay awake don't close your eyes

Levin became quieter, and I smiled to myself as I realized it was working.

Though the world is fast asleep

Though your pillows soft and deep

You're not sleepy as you seem

Stay awake, don't nod and dream

Stay awake, don't nod and dream

Levin closed his eyes, and I set him down in his crib, rocking him into deep sleep.

That wasn't so hard... I thought.

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I sat on the floor, building small towers for Levin to break down. I would place the last block down, and he would walk into it, laughing when it toppled to the floor. Then, I decided to teach him to talk.

"Hey Levin! Do you know who this is?" I asked, grabbing a picture of Aphmau from a shelf. Levin grinned at the picture.

"This is Mama." I said, emphasizing on the word mama. Levin moved his mouth, but nothing came out.

"M-a-m-a, mama." I said, repeating the word. Levin made small noises when he moved his mouth. Then...

"M-mama?" He asked. I grinned, giggling as I picked him up, nuzzling his nose.

"Yes, Levin! Mama." I said. Then, I pointed to myself.

"I'm Auntie Mel." I said, seeing if he could do it himself.

"Mel?" He asked. I nodded and grinned again.

"You're doing such a good job, Levin! Good job!" I complimented. Levin's laughs still rang through my ears today.