By the time they left the cabin, the clock was nearing nine.
The air outside had turned colder, the kind that nipped gently at their cheeks.
Axel carried a very sleepy Oliver in his arms, his head resting against his father's shoulder.
"Looks like our little chef is running out of energy," he murmured.
"Yes," Evelyn said with a quiet laugh, glancing at their half-asleep son. "And he got even sleepier after taking that warm bath."
...
They drove in comfortable silence, the rhythmic hum of the car blending with the faint sound of Oliver's soft breathing.
Within ten minutes, Axel parked the car in front of the main entrance of their home.
Just as Evelyn unbuckled her seatbelt, a sleepy voice rose from the back seat.
"Daddy, don't forget your promise."
Both parents turned their heads in surprise.
Axel blinked, then exchanged a look with Evelyn before smiling. "What promise?"
Oliver rubbed his eyes and shrugged, "To read two books for me, Dad."
