The morning was a little different. I woke up to my dad at the door, telling me to get ready for daycare. I was used to my mom calling me down for breakfast, so this was a change. I got out of bed and saw that Dad had picked out my clothes already. They were my favorite, simple black shorts and a plain white t-shirt. I was always happy when my dad would pick out my outfits if mom slept in a little, if it was her picking out what I would wear she would always choose dresses. Don't get me wrong I love dresses but the first time Sara bullied me was because I wore a dress, so I haven't worn dresses to daycare since.

I headed downstairs, where Dad was sitting at the table. He looked a little sad, and Mom was nowhere to be seen. I asked Dad, "Where's Mom?" My dad looked up from his coffee and sighed. "Oh, your mom had to leave early for work today," he said.

I nodded, disappointment in my heart. It was strange not seeing Mom around. Usually, she prepared my breakfast and helped me get ready, but today I could see that Dad was trying his best. "Come on, have some breakfast. I made you some toast and eggs," my dad said, gesturing toward the empty seat at the table.

I listened and took my seat, feeling a little off without Mom's presence. I was also slightly worried about Dad cooking, as Mom was the usual one who made the meals.

"Dad, um, can I ask you something?" I asked, hesitantly. Dad nodded, looking up from his coffee and giving me a small smile. "Of course, Gem. What's on your mind?"

I took a deep breath, feeling a little nervous. I didn't want to upset him with my question. "Well, I was just wondering... Where does Mom go when she goes away for work?" My dad's smile faded slightly at my question, and he paused for a moment. "Your mom goes on business trips sometimes, Gem," he said, his voice a little softer.

I nodded, trying to hide my disappointment. "I know but....why does she have to go on business trips so much?" I asked, feeling a little sad. "Why can't she just stay home with us?" I took a sip of my milk, my mind swirling with confusion. Why did Mom have to go away so much? Why couldn't we just spend time together as a family?

I heard my dad clear his throat before speaking up. "Your mom's job requires her to travel sometimes, Gem. It's not her choice, she would get in trouble if she didn't." I glanced up at him, noticing the tension in his voice. It was like he was holding something back. My dad looked at his watch, realizing it was getting late. "Alright, Gem. It's time to get going. You don't want to be late for daycare," he said, standing up from the table.

I nodded, pushing my empty plate away. I still had so many questions and worries buzzing through my mind, but I knew now wasn't the time to ask more questions. "Okay," I said quietly, getting up from my chair.

Dad helped me put my backpack on as we headed towards the car. My backpack was light, it only really had a lunchbox and emergency clothes if anything happened.

Once I was settled in the backseat, Dad got into the driver's seat, and we pulled out of the driveway. As we drove, I looked out the window, watching the neighborhood pass by.

Eventually, we arrived at the daycare. I could see all the other kids through the window, playing and laughing in the outdoor play area. I wasn't used to seeing so many kids here before me, it was definitely a change.

We went inside and dad did all the sign-ins. "Have a good day, Gem. I will come pick you up when I am done with work" he said while smiling and giving me a forehead kiss. Before I could say anything, Bash started running towards me.

"Gem! What did your parents say? Did they say yes?" he said excitedly, but also with a hint of worry in his eyes. I looked at him, knowing that I shouldn't go into detail about my mom. So, I decided to keep it simple, "My dad said yes, my mom can't make it though." Bash seemed surprised, but his happy smile kept shining through as he hugged me tightly and said, "I can't wait to be able to play with you outside of daycare, it'll be so much fun!" With a smile, I hugged him back, replying, "Yeah, same here, Bash."

The days at daycare were a bit of a blur, with the same routine every day. Bash and I had a good time though. As we were about to leave, Bash handed me a piece of paper with his father's number. "Here's my dad's number," he said. "He asked me to give it to you, saying it's for your dad if he has any questions." I smiled and grabbed the paper, thanking him. "Thanks, Bash. See you tomorrow!" I quickly gave him a hug and headed home with my dad.

When we arrived home, my dad asked me about my day. I explained how much fun I had at daycare with Bash, explaining to him the connection and understanding we shared since the first day he defended me at daycare. We decided to spend the rest of the day watching H2O, enjoying the company of each other and forgetting any worries or concerns for a while.

It was the next day. I woke up early to prepare for my trip to Bash's house with my dad. This was also the day my mom left, for a month. Before she left, she assured me, "Gem, I promise I'll return in a month, and we can catch up on everything we missed." Despite her smile, I knew she was not truly happy. Even though I was only four years old, I have seen her like this before, and I could tell the difference. It was always the same goodbye, yet reconnecting never quite equaled being present for events as they occurred. My dad and I reached the address given to us by Bash's dad. From a distance, I spotted Bash dashing towards the car, his energy palpable. I couldn't suppress a smile, Bash had a unique ability to lift my spirits no matter what. Leaving the car, I ran towards him, and we reached each other, colliding with a force that almost toppled us over. We both laughed, breaking the embrace just as Bash's dad emerged from the front door. Bash's dad smiled and welcomed me. "You must be Gemma. It's wonderful to finally meet you." He had similar dark brown hair as his son, though his skin was tan and his eyes brown.

As my dad stepped up behind me, holding my shoulders, Bash's dad extended his hand in greeting, "And you must be Richard. A pleasure to finally connect the face with your name and your lovely daughter," he said, his smile never fading. "Yes, I am," my dad replied, extending his hand to shake Bash's dad's. "Oh, let me introduce myself. I'm Cameron," Cameron said cheerfully Following them inside, I couldn't help but wonder about the peculiar ritual of adults shaking hands. It seemed like an odd tradition to me, leaving me bewildered. Hopefully, in time, I would understand the significance of this simple yet enigmatic act. With Bash and I trailing behind, we shared glances at each other.

Bash's house was a typical suburban home, with a modest front yard and a quaint facade. The interior was modestly furnished, but cozy and inviting. Bash's dad had decorated the walls with framed photographs, showcasing a mix of family moments and scenic landscapes. The scent of burgers coming inside of their home. As we made our way to the backyard Bash's dad, Cameron, stood proudly by the barbecue, deftly flipping burgers with a spatula. The sizzle of the meat and the fragrant aroma of grilling burgers filled the air, making my stomach growl in a way that made it seem like I haven't ate in four days.

Bash started running, bubbling with excitement, I started running with him and we raced outside. The lush green grass stretched before us. The sun cast golden rays upon the landscape, and a gentle breeze carried the pleasant scent of blooming flowers. As we were running, Bash decided to stop dead in his tracks making me tumble backwards from the impact of bumping into him. Laughing, Bash extended his hand to help me up. As I recovered from the fall, our eyes met, and Bash playfully asked, "Best friends forever?" with a big smile splattered across his face, I couldn't contain my excitement and I exclaimed, "Best friends forever!" We shared a moment of laughter and joy, our bond strengthening with each passing moment.

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It's so nice seeing them happy together🥹
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