Anisha and Calvin were walking home from school, chatting animatedly about the upcoming Parents' Day at school. The excitement was evident in their voices as they discussed what they were looking forward to the most.

"I can't wait to see Marshall meet Mrs. Dalton tomorrow!" Anisha exclaimed, a bright smile on her face. "I think they'll get along just fine. She's so nice!"

Calvin looked uncertain. "But, what if he meets Mrs. Weiss first? You know, the one who reminds me of the Wicked Witch of the West? I swear, she's got that look about her. What if Marshall faints?"

Anisha rolled her eyes but grinned. "Calvin, you watch too many movies. Mrs. Weiss isn't that bad. Besides, Marshall is pretty chill around people. I'm sure he'll be fine."

Calvin made a face, clearly unconvinced. "We'll see. You're the one who'll be laughing when he needs an emergency nap after meeting her."

Anisha laughed. "You're impossible, you know that?"

When they arrived home, they expected to find Marshall waiting for them, but the house was silent. They dropped their bags in the entryway and called out, but there was no answer.

"Ruthie?" Anisha called.

Ruthie, their kind and reliable housekeeper, was sweeping the floor in the living room. She smiled when she saw them. "Marshall's not home yet, kids. He won't be back until after dinner."

Anisha's smile faltered, but she nodded. "I guess that's okay. His job is important."

Calvin sighed, but reluctantly agreed. "Yeah, I guess so."

Out in the yard, Breaenta and Amber were sitting under a tree, talking seriously. Though the world around them seemed peaceful, there was a feeling of tension in the air. The Dark Kingdom, their most persistent enemy, was never far behind. And their latest adversaries, the Grey Rainbow Kids, were a growing threat.

"We need to be careful," Breaenta said, her voice low and serious as she paced back and forth, her thoughts racing. "Rosa's clever. She's not just ruthless—she's manipulative. Lila may be spoiled, but she knows how to act when it counts. And Bleu… Bleu is the wild card. He's unpredictable. That makes him dangerous."

Amber nodded, her face thoughtful. "I know. We're still getting used to living here, pretending to be normal kids while fighting enemies we can barely understand. It's harder than I thought."

"I can't say I've adjusted fully either," Breaenta admitted, glancing up at the sky as if seeking guidance. "But Earth is our responsibility now. We can't afford to make mistakes. Especially with Queen Natasha on the way. If we fail, it's not just us at risk—it's the whole planet."

Meanwhile, in the Dark Kingdom, Queen Natasha stood before her loyal trio of minions, the Gray Rainbow Kids: Lila, Rosa, and Bleu. The atmosphere in the chamber was thick with tension, and Natasha's icy gaze swept over her minions.

"Well?" she asked, her voice dripping with impatience. "What progress have you made in capturing the Wonder Kids? Have you devised a plan?"

Lila, the spoiled one of the group, casually tossed her hair back. "Why bother with plans? We can just strike them head-on and wipe them out," she said with an air of confidence. "They won't see it coming."

Rosa raised a hand, a quiet, sly smirk spreading across her face as she shot a sidelong glance at the others. "No, that's too direct. We need something more... subtle."

Rosa's voice was like a whisper in the dark, but it carried power. "We break them. We make them doubt themselves. We attack their weaknesses— their emotions. Once they turn on each other, we'll have them."

Bleu, the youngest and most impatient of the trio, threw up his hands. "This is taking forever! Can't we just get it over with?"

Queen Natasha turned her cold eyes toward Bleu, her tone sharp and menacing. "Patience, Bleu. When the time comes, we will strike. But when we do, we must be sure of our victory."

Rosa's quiet, chilling smile returned as she folded her arms. "Leave it to me," she indicated with certainty using her facial expressions. "I'll make sure the Wonder Kids lose everything they believe in."

Later that evening, Marshall returned home after a long day at work. Anisha and Calvin eagerly rushed to help him with his coat and briefcase, eager to show their appreciation. Amber, with her usual composed demeanor, placed his things down for him and flashed a soft, welcoming smile.

"I don't know what's gotten into them," she said, her voice warm with affection, "but I'm just as happy to see you, Uncle Marshall."

Marshall patted her head fondly. "It's good to be home. Thanks, Amber."

As he sat down at the dinner table, he turned to the kids, who were practically bursting with excitement. "What's all this talk about Parents' Day?" he asked. "I'm looking forward to meeting your teachers."

Anisha smiled brightly. "We can't wait! Mrs. Dalton's really nice, and we think you'll get along great with her. Plus, you promised to take us shopping afterwards!"

Marshall chuckled. "I wouldn't miss it for the world, I promise." He stood up, walking toward the kitchen. "Now, get ready for bed. You've got a big day tomorrow."

The next day after school, as Amber wiped down the coffee table, she noticed Anisha and Calvin quietly entering the house, their faces downcast. She frowned and exchanged a look with Breaenta. Something wasn't right.

"What's wrong?" Breaenta asked, her voice calm but concerned.

Anisha and Calvin exchanged glances before Anisha spoke, her voice tinged with frustration. "Marshall didn't show up for Parents' Day. We waited all day, but he never came. Maybe he just... doesn't care about us."

Amber's eyes softened with understanding. "Maybe something came up. He could've been caught in traffic."

Breaenta's expression darkened. "Or maybe something worse happened. We need to stay vigilant. It could have been a La Peur attack."

Anisha shook her head, her voice bitter. "No, he's just too busy. I don't think he cares anymore."

Unbeknownst to them, Rosa was spying from the shadows, listening carefully to their conversation. A malicious grin spread across her face. This was the perfect opportunity.

She raised her hand and, with a dark incantation, summoned a La Peur, her reptilian, shadowy monster, to sow further discord and confusion.

A few days later, Anisha sat at her desk, scribbling through her homework, her mind a little more scattered than usual. Her thoughts kept drifting to the disappointment of Parents' Day. She hadn't expected much, but Marshall's absence still stung.

The sudden knock at the door startled her. Marshall entered, his expression more troubled than she'd ever seen. She blinked, her pen frozen mid-sentence as she looked up at him.

"Anisha," he began softly, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. "Why haven't you and Calvin been greeting me when I come home lately?"

Anisha looked away, a lump forming in her throat. She stared down at her homework, unsure how to voice the feelings that had been simmering beneath the surface for days.

"Because you only took us in because there was no one else," she muttered quietly, her words a little heavier than she intended. "You don't really want us here. We're just an inconvenience."

Marshall's face fell, as though the words hit him harder than expected. He took a breath, stepping into the room and sitting down beside her. He was close, but not too close. There was an ache in his eyes, a soft regret.

"Anisha... that's not true," his voice cracked slightly, filled with quiet remorse. "I've always wanted you and Calvin with me. But... with my work at the hospital... I've been so busy, I haven't had the time to really be with you. I've been neglecting you both, and for that, I'm sorry."

Anisha swallowed, her throat tight. She could hear the sincerity in his voice, and though the weight of the day lingered, something shifted inside her. She glanced up at him, finally meeting his eyes.

"I didn't mean to make you feel guilty," she said softly, looking down again at her desk, her fingers fidgeting with the corner of her homework. "I just... I needed to know you care."

Marshall's hand reached out slowly, resting gently on her shoulder. His touch was warm, reassuring, and it grounded her.

"You and Calvin are everything to me," he said, his voice full of quiet sincerity. "I do care. More than you know. But... I've been so caught up in my work, I lost sight of what matters most."

Anisha's heart softened at his words, and the heavy tension that had been building between them over the past few days began to dissolve. She let out a small sigh, finally feeling understood.

"I know you're busy, Uncle Marshall," she whispered, her voice still a little fragile. "I just... I guess I needed to feel like we're important to you, too."

Marshall smiled softly, the sorrow in his eyes slowly lifting. "You're more important than anything, Anisha. But I'm sorry I haven't shown that enough."

Anisha nodded quietly, her face relaxing. "It's okay. Just... don't forget us."

Marshall's gaze lingered on her for a moment, then he stood up, giving her shoulder a final gentle squeeze. "You should get some sleep," he said, his tone a little lighter now. "Big day tomorrow, right?"

Anisha nodded, offering a faint smile. "Yeah, I'll get some sleep. Thanks, Marshall."

Anisha nodded, watching him leave the room. The quiet between them felt different now, less strained. As Marshall turned to leave, he headed down the stairs and into the kitchen.

The kitchen was empty, save for the quiet hum of the refrigerator. Marshall made his way to the old black rotary wall phone that hung near the kitchen counter. He stood there for a moment, staring at the receiver, as if collecting his thoughts. The weight of the conversation with Anisha still lingered in his mind.

With a deep breath, he lifted the receiver, his fingers brushing the cold metal. The phone felt heavier than usual in his hand as he dialed his mother's number, the dial clicks echoing through the house.

When the line connected, there was a brief pause before his mother's voice came through on the other end.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Mom," Marshall greeted, his voice a little quieter than usual. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to find the right words. "I've been thinking about Anisha and Calvin... I've been so caught up in everything lately, and I don't want them to feel like they don't matter. I don't want them to feel like they're just... some responsibility."

There was a pause on the other end, but Marshall didn't mind. He knew his mom well enough to know she was letting him process.

"I was thinking about the dresses you were going to send for Anisha and Amber, and the suit for Calvin," Marshall continued. "Do you think it'd be okay if I gave them to them tomorrow? I just want to show them I'm thinking about them. I want them to know they're important... not just some afterthought."

Marshall's eyes lowered, and he leaned against the counter, staring out the window into the dark night. He could feel the weight of the past few days pulling on him. His work, his responsibilities, his promises to the kids... it had all been too much, and he hadn't been there the way he should have.

"I think it's time I do something right for once," he added, almost to himself, his voice thick with sincerity.

On the other end, his mother's voice softened, and Marshall could almost hear the smile in her words. "You're doing fine, Marshall. You're doing your best. They'll appreciate it."

"Thanks, Mom," Marshall replied, a quiet relief settling over him. "I'll make sure they get the gifts tomorrow. I want them to know I care. I'll talk to you soon."

He hung up the phone, the sound of the receiver clicking back into place grounding him in the moment. Marshall stood there for a moment, reflecting on the conversation. It wasn't a perfect fix, but it was a step in the right direction.

Tomorrow, he would show the kids that they were important. He would be there for them, no matter how busy life got. It was time to make things right.

A Surprise Gift

The sun streamed through the kitchen window, casting a soft, golden light across the table. The atmosphere was peaceful, with the kids chatting easily over breakfast, the clink of silverware against plates and the hum of morning energy filling the space. Anisha and Calvin were playfully bickering over something trivial—who had the last of the pancakes, perhaps—while Amber quietly sipped her tea, a soft smile on her lips as she listened to their chatter.

Marshall sat at the head of the table, his coffee mug in front of him, a quiet sense of contentment on his face. There was something different in the air today, something he couldn't quite place. It was more than just the bright morning or the kids' laughter; it was the warmth of family beginning to settle into their lives.

As he looked around the table, he felt an urge to share something with them, something special. He cleared his throat, drawing their attention.

"I've got some exciting news," Marshall said, his voice warm and light. The kids, all caught up in their conversation, quieted down instantly, curiosity lighting their faces.

"The country club's hosting a private dance tonight," Marshall continued, a slight grin tugging at his lips. "And they've invited me to bring you three along as new members. I've already registered you—Anisha, Amber, and Calvin. You'll all be honored as new members of the club tonight. It's a chance to dress up, have some fun, and enjoy a night out."

Anisha blinked, her expression a mixture of surprise and confusion. "Wait... a dance? At the country club? I didn't even know we were members."

Marshall chuckled softly, setting his mug down. "Well, technically, we've been members for a little while now. I've just never really talked about it much. But I've officially registered you three as part of the family now. It's a special occasion, and I thought it would be a nice chance for all of us to spend time together."

"Wow," Calvin said, eyes wide. "A real dance? Sounds fancy."

Amber raised an eyebrow, her quiet voice laced with practicality. "That sounds great... but I don't have anything to wear for something like that."

Anisha nodded in agreement, glancing down at her casual clothes. "Yeah, same here. I don't have anything fancy enough for a country club event."

Marshall smiled knowingly, sensing their concern. "I thought that might be the case," he said, getting up from his seat. "So I went ahead and got something for you three. Thought it would be a nice surprise."

The kids exchanged puzzled glances as Marshall left the kitchen and returned moments later with three carefully wrapped gift boxes. The brown paper was smooth and neat, tied with simple twine, and each box had a handwritten tag with their names. He placed them gently on the table in front of each of them.

"Go ahead, open them," Marshall encouraged, his smile warm and expectant.

Anisha, still a little unsure of what to expect, slowly untied the twine and unwrapped the paper. As she pulled away the last of the wrapping, her breath caught in her throat. Inside, folded carefully, was a soft pink dress. The fabric was light, the subtle plaid pattern giving it a timeless charm. The dark pink bow near the collar added just the right amount of detail. It was the kind of dress that could be worn anywhere, from an afternoon outing to something much more formal.

"Marshall, this is..." Anisha's voice trailed off, and she looked up at him, her eyes wide. "This is beautiful. But you didn't have to—"

"I wanted to," Marshall interrupted with a gentle smile. "My mother had these dresses made for you, Anisha. She was going to send them a while ago, but it never felt like the right time. I thought tonight would be perfect."

Amber, who had been quietly watching, unwrapped her box carefully. When the paper came off, her eyes widened at the sight of the dress inside. It was a soft, pastel purple, light and airy with delicate ruffles at the hem. A dark purple satin bow cinched the waist, and the fabric shimmered slightly as it caught the light.

Amber's hand hovered over the dress for a moment before she finally looked up at Marshall, her voice soft with surprise. "This... this is too much, Marshall. Thank you."

Marshall smiled warmly, his heart swelling at the gratitude in her voice. "You're welcome, Amber. I wanted you all to feel special tonight."

Calvin, still processing the surprise, eagerly ripped the paper off his box, revealing a perfectly tailored blue suit. The fabric was rich, the jacket sharp with clean lines, and the pants pressed neatly. Even the crisp white shirt inside was folded with care. Calvin's eyes lit up, and he held the suit up against himself.

"Wow, this is amazing!" Calvin exclaimed. "I didn't expect anything like this. This is... really nice."

Marshall chuckled softly. "I'm glad you like it. You all deserve to feel your best tonight."

Anisha, her fingers gently tracing the fabric of her pink dress, couldn't help but feel a swell of gratitude. "I can't believe you did this. I don't even know how to thank you," she said, her voice thick with emotion.

Marshall shrugged lightly, trying to brush off the attention. "No need to thank me. You three are part of my family now. I just want you to feel comfortable, to feel like you belong. And if that means dressing up for a special night, then that's exactly what we're going to do."

The three kids looked at each other, their faces a mixture of surprise and appreciation. This wasn't just about the dresses or the suit—it was about something deeper. Marshall hadn't just given them new clothes; he had given them a gesture of care and acceptance, something they hadn't expected but were incredibly grateful for.

Anisha slowly set the dress down on the table, smoothing the fabric with her hand. "Thank you," she repeated, her voice more sure this time.

Amber gave a soft, quiet smile. "Thank you, Marshall."

Calvin grinned, adjusting the suit jacket over his shoulders. "I'm ready for the dance now!" he joked, earning a chuckle from the others.

As the excitement settled into the air, Marshall stood up and ruffled Calvin's hair. "I'm glad you all like the gifts. I'm looking forward to tonight."

The kids set their new outfits down carefully on the top shelf of the kitchen cabinet, making sure to keep them safe and protected. It was clear that Marshall's gesture had touched them deeply. The warmth in the room grew, not just from the gifts, but from the sense of belonging and care that Marshall had shown.

As the kids began to put on their jackets, ready to head outside to play, Breaenta, who had been standing by the door, suddenly stopped. Her expression was serious, her usual calm demeanor replaced by a rare alertness. She turned her gaze toward the parking garage and then back to the kids.

"Something's coming," she said quietly, her voice low but urgent. "Something feels wrong."

The room fell silent for a moment. The carefree mood that had enveloped them after the surprise gift faded as the weight of Breaenta's words settled in. She was always the first to sense danger, and when she spoke like that, it was never a small thing.

"What is it?" Anisha asked, her voice tense, her hand still on the handle of her jacket.

"I don't know," Breaenta replied, her eyes narrowing, her senses on high alert. "But we need to be ready. Whatever it is, it's close."

The scene in the parking garage was one of pure chaos. A family huddled in terror inside their car, trapped in the vice-like grip of Rosa's monstrous creation, La Peur. The dark serpent twisted around the vehicle, its shadowy tail slamming against the car with violent force.

The Wonder Kids arrived just in time. As the team transformed into the Wonder Kids—Rainbow Cat, Purple Fairy, Cotton Candy Girl, and Water Ice Boy—Without hesitation, the team sprang into action.

"Purple Fairy! Get the family out of the car!" Rainbow Cat commanded, her voice ringing out as she took a defensive position.

Purple Fairy was already in motion, her wings fluttering as she hovered near the car. A wave of her hand formed a shimmering protective dome around the vehicle, absorbing the violent impacts from the creature's tail as it lashed out. The family inside screamed in terror, but the shield held strong.

"Stay calm," Purple Fairy's voice rang out, her magic pulsing with a gentle, protective glow. "You're safe now."

With a graceful flick of her wrist, she expanded the barrier, pushing the car out of immediate danger as La Peur thrashed. The family, still paralyzed by fear, began to move toward the shielded exit, following her lead. One by one, they made their way to safety, each glance over their shoulder filled with a mixture of fear and awe.

"Go, go!" Purple Fairy urged, her wings beating steadily as she ushered them past her glowing shield. She took a moment to smile at a small child, their wide eyes meeting hers before she guided them through the barrier and out of danger.

With the family safely beyond La Peur's reach, she turned back toward the rest of the team. "They're safe. Let's take care of that thing."

When they were all safely out of the creature's reach, she turned back toward the team. "They're safe. Let's take care of that thing."

Rainbow Cat's gaze was fixed on La Peur, her body poised and ready. "Cotton Candy Girl! Water Ice Boy! Let's take it down!"

Cotton Candy Girl—stood frozen for a moment, her breath shallow. The chaos around her, the thundering impact of La Peur's tail, barely registered in her mind. The creature's attacks felt distant as her thoughts took her elsewhere. Why am I hesitating?

Her mind flashed back to a painful memory from just a few days ago: Marshall had forgotten about "Parents Day" at school. Again. He had missed the opportunity to be there, just like he had missed so many others lately. Anisha had tried to pretend it didn't bother her—tried to cover it with jokes, with reassurances to Calvin—but inside, it stung.

Maybe... maybe he doesn't love us as much as I thought. The thought kept nagging at her, leaving a sour feeling in her chest. If he cared, he'd be here. He'd remember. He'd show up for us.

That doubt was like a shadow over her, suffocating her focus. She could hear La Peur's tail slamming against the concrete, the crash reverberating in her chest, feeding the swirling storm of frustration and sadness inside her.

"Focus, Cotton Candy Girl!" Rainbow Cat's voice broke through her spiraling thoughts, sharp with urgency. "We can't afford to hesitate!"

Cotton Candy Girl's chest tightened. She could feel the weight of her emotions, the doubt and the hurt she hadn't fully dealt with. All the things Marshall had missed out on—the small moments that mattered so much to her—came rushing back.

But then, she looked at the family, their eyes wide with fear. They were counting on her. This wasn't about Marshall. It wasn't about her frustration. It was about them, and about stopping La Peur before it destroyed everything.

No. I can't let this monster win. Not because of my feelings.

She took a deep breath, pushing her personal doubts aside. She could still feel the heavy weight of her emotions, but she forced them back for now. There was no time for it. Her team needed her.

With a deep, steadying breath, Cotton Candy Girl stepped forward, her magic glowing brightly around her. She called up the familiar energy, the sweet, pastel power that defined her. The glow intensified as she summoned her attack.

"Bubbles Stick Blast!" she shouted, releasing a powerful wave of sugary, sticky energy.

The blast hit La Peur directly, coating its dark form in shimmering, candy-colored bubbles. The creature recoiled, hissing in pain as the sticky web tangled around it. It tried to lash out, thrashing in an attempt to free itself, but the more it struggled, the tighter the web of energy became.

With another burst of energy, Cotton Candy Girl sent out another wave of bubbles, and La Peur's body began to unravel. The once-terrifying serpent collapsed into a cloud of shadowy particles, dissolving into nothingness as the sugary magic took hold.

Cotton Candy Girl stood tall, her breath coming in heavy bursts as she wiped a few strands of hair from her face. "We did it," she said, her voice both relieved and victorious.

Rainbow Cat gave her a sharp nod. "No, that was all you, Anisha," she said, her usual cool expression softening slightly.

Purple Fairy fluttered down beside them, a smile on her face. "Well done, everyone," she said warmly.

That night, the country club's private dance was in full swing, the soft lighting and gentle hum of conversation creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Guests milled about, enjoying the evening, but it was hard not to notice Marshall standing with his niece and nephew, his pride shining through as he stood next to Anisha, Amber, and Calvin.

As they stood together, a few guests whispered amongst themselves, admiring how Marshall's kids were so well-behaved and looked so happy in their new outfits. Their reactions only made Marshall's heart swell with pride. He'd done his best to raise them right, and now, standing in the middle of the ballroom with his family, it felt like everything was falling into place.

"You three look amazing," Marshall said, his voice full of warmth. He looked from Anisha to Amber and then to Calvin, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I think you might be the highlight of the evening."

Anisha's heart swelled at his words, and she glanced at the others before speaking softly. "I feel like a princess here," she admitted, her voice quiet but content. The elegance of the country club, combined with the joy of the evening, made her feel more special than she had in a long time.

Amber, standing next to Anisha, nodded in agreement, though she kept a playful smile on her face. "I think we all feel that way," she said, glancing around the room. "This place really is something else. Everyone's so polished, so… adult. Like a movie."

Calvin, who had been quietly observing the elegant atmosphere, suddenly piped up with his usual, candid honesty. "I thought a country club was gonna have farm animals," he said, his voice low but matter-of-fact.

Anisha and Amber blinked at him for a moment, and then burst into laughter. Amber chuckled, shaking her head. "Farm animals?"

Anisha grinned, her laughter bubbling up. "Yeah, like cows and chickens running around the ballroom?" she said, her voice light. "I don't think that's the kind of country club we're at."

Calvin gave a small shrug, clearly unfazed by the fact that his idea didn't quite match reality. "Well, I thought it'd be more… farmy," he muttered, looking around at the fancy guests with a touch of confusion.

Amber laughed again. "Next time, we'll bring a goat and a pig just for you, okay?"

Despite the teasing, there was a comfort in being together—just the three of them, with Marshall standing proudly by their side. The evening felt simple, but right. Their laughter, the playful banter—it was just what they needed.

The music shifted, and the soft, familiar tune of "You Are My Sunshine" filled the room. Marshall turned toward Anisha with a gentle smile and extended his hand. "May I have this dance?"

Anisha's eyes lit up. "Only if I can keep up!" she teased, her grin matching his. Her heart fluttered, not just because of the music, but because of how much this moment meant. For so long, it had felt like things were always on the edge of chaos. But tonight, with Marshall standing beside them, it felt like they were part of something bigger—something peaceful, even for just a little while.

They made their way onto the dance floor. As they moved to the soft rhythm of the song, the world around them seemed to blur, the warmth of the evening settling in. Anisha rested her head lightly against Marshall's shoulder, feeling more at home in his presence than she had in ages. Marshall, too, looked down at her with affection, grateful for this calm moment.

But of course, Calvin wasn't going to let them have all the fun. As the two of them twirled slowly to the music, Calvin, ever the ball of energy, rushed forward and launched himself onto Marshall's back.

"This is how much we love you!" Calvin shouted, his arms wrapped tightly around Marshall's neck in a tight bear hug.

Marshall, slightly caught off guard, let out a laugh as he tried to stay balanced. "Whoa, buddy!" he said, chuckling. "I'm glad you love me, but maybe ease up a little?"

Anisha and Amber burst into laughter at the sight. Marshall's reaction was filled with genuine affection, even as he struggled to stay upright with Calvin hanging off his back.

Calvin, grinning ear to ear, held on tight. "I love you so much, Uncle Marshall," he said earnestly.

Marshall's heart swelled. He had always done his best for them, but moments like this—moments of pure, unfiltered love—reminded him just how much they meant to him. He gave Calvin a quick, tight hug, lifting him slightly off his feet. "I love you too, little guy," he said, his voice warm.

Anisha looked up at them, her heart full. There were still challenges ahead, still things to figure out, but in that moment, with Marshall, Amber, and Calvin all together, she knew that no matter what came next, they were in this together.

"I love you too," Anisha added quietly, her smile softer now. She had questioned herself before, wondered if maybe she wasn't enough, or if Marshall wasn't always the father figure she wanted him to be. But tonight, surrounded by his warmth and love, those doubts seemed to fade away. They were a family—together.

And as the song played on, the four of them shared a moment of perfect simplicity, a moment of belonging, laughter, and love.