"Dad?" Alex carefully knocked on her father's bedroom door before opening it. He normally didn't stay in bed that long, not even on a Sunday morning, and she feared he might be coming down with a cold. What she certainly didn't expect to see was her father fast asleep in their neighbour's arms.
She closed the door again hoping she didn't wake them and tiptoed downstairs into the kitchen where she wanted to leave a note for her dad. But that wasn't necessary anymore.
"Good morning," Ben said, suddenly standing behind her in his morning gown and a pair of slippers. His hair was ruffled and his glasses sat a little crooked on his nose – a style Alex hardly ever had the chance to see on her father who was usually freshly showered before she even thought about leaving her bed.
She couldn't help but reply with a big grin. "Dad! I'm sorry I woke you up, I-" she stopped herself and jumped a step forward, falling into the arms of her father who gave her a gentle squeeze. "I'm so happy for you."
"Thank you," he said and shyly glanced at the floor with blushing cheeks. "I'm happy, too."
"Are you guys serious now?" she asked.
"Yes, we are," John replied, leaning against the door frame in a t-shirt and boxers.
Alex smiled and from the corner of her eyes she could see how her father's face turned an even brighter red.
"Did you already have breakfast?" Ben asked her. "We could make pancakes."
"Oh, Karl is about to pick me up any minute. Remember? We wanted to go swimming today."
Ben's mouth dropped into a frown. "Of course. Sorry, I forgot."
"Does Karl not like pancakes?" John asked as he filled the kettle with water to make himself a cup of tea.
Alex shrugged. "No, he does. I think."
"I'd really like to have breakfast together," Ben said. "All four of us."
"I guess we can go swimming an hour later," she said, knowing it would immediately conjure a smile on her father's face. Though even when he tried to pout it was visibly difficult for him not to grin like a school boy. Alex loved seeing him like his. She knew he had been lonely for a long time and she was convinced that John was the perfect match for him.
"Great," Ben said.
"You guys got any milk?" John asked while carefully examining the content of their fridge as if it was just as much his. "Or shall get some from next door?"