Saturday 12th February 2022

Later that day Nik, who was asleep during the water incident between Hope and Josie, was awake and ready to wiggle his energy out.

The 2 year old's little feet waddling away, Hope, who was now dressed in dry clothes- which, for some reason, took 20 minutes and both Josie and Hope's help- was chasing after the child, his small giggles erupting as Hope slowly walk-runs behind his, panting in pretend, grabbing her chest and flopping onto the ground. Laying with her tongue out. pretending to be dead.

Her cousin stops running and turns where he sees Hope lay on the floor, slowly approaching the girl. 

As soon as he is in arms reach Hope gently pulls him in and tickles his sides, both Hope and Nik's laughter mixing and creating a harmony of happiness.

"Hopie 'top. 'top tickles" he says trying to wiggle away from his cousins hands.

"mmh" Hope thinks thoughtfully. "I don't know, I ask for a big payment if you don't want the tickle monster" Hope says turning to face her cousin "what?" he asks, eyes big, the slight tickle of Hopes hands on his ribs.

"I want.. cuddles." Hope says and her cousin chucks his arms around her neck "wuv you Hopie" he whispers in her ear. Hope smiles, pulling him closer "Love you too Mr. Man" Hope says using a nickname to address the little boy.

230 words for the chapter which isn't too bad. Hope you like it.