The long lunch party that had started with laughter, music, and Oliver's unstoppable energy had finally ended.
It was almost three in the afternoon when Axel carried the now-sleeping birthday boy up to his room.
Evelyn followed beside him, her heart still full from the day.
Oliver's small arms were wrapped around his father's neck, his face buried against Axel's shoulder, completely lost to dreams after hours of excitement.
"I don't think I've ever seen him this exhausted," Evelyn whispered, smiling as she gently brushed a few strands of hair from Oliver's forehead. "He's been entertaining the whole family and friends since morning."
Axel adjusted his son carefully.
"He earned it. He met half the family, made new friends, and ate enough cake to last him a week."
Evelyn chuckled softly.
"You forgot the part where he tried to show the family how he fed Browny, and he fed the poor pony with his fork."
