Chapter 2: The Realization
Ron's reaction was the exact opposite of what Hermione expected. Instead of screaming, he calming stared thoughtfully at the ceiling and quietly said: "Not that bad of an idea. We can try it…" Then his eyebrows suddenly furrowed and jumped up, realizing actually how crazy the idea was.
"Now wait a minute! That's NOT a good idea! Switch parenting styles?! Hermione, I don't believe that you can be laid back! And as cool as me." Ron added with a touch of smugness."
Hermione sat up at turned on the lights: "Bloody hell Ron, I can be however I want. I just think that my sternness might be better than spoiling her!"
"Now, now, who said anything about spoiling?"
"You. You spoil her…. A bit maybe. All those presents and toys and taking her the parks and stuff. It makes me look so evil!" She made her first punch the soft mattress.
Ron's face fell, he finally understood. One parent spoiling Rose, the other making her study, of course the five-year-old would love, or seem to love, the parent who brings her presents and toys, just to make the other jealous.
Tears silently came out of the corners of Hermione's eyes. She sniffed and snuggled up against Ron's shoulders, while her arms slithered around her and gently cradled her.
"I'm sorry. I really am. I had no idea."
There was no response for a while.
Just silence.
But Hermione never moved from her position, so that was a good sign.
In the peacefulness of the moment, Ron suddenly thought about Sunday. The Sunday where he can get off work every week and spend a whole day with his daughter.
He sat there. And he remembered.