I Know How to Divert Your Attention from This

Calliope was the most exhilarated one after leaving Ryken's apartment. The little dumpling received a small gift from the man. It was a wooden charm carved into a bird.

"Poppy, this is for you. It's a good luck charm I found in Peru. It's supposed to bring safety to its owner."

Unable to contain her excitement, Calliope repeatedly thanked Ryken, much to the man's amusement. He patted her little head while telling her to come visit often.

The cute moment shared between Calliope and Ryken earned smiles and laughter from Calix and Leslie. It seemed like their adorable daughter had just gotten a new uncle who enjoyed pampering her.

After putting Calliope to bed that night, Calix and Leslie went to his home office instead of their bedroom. The night was still young, barely nine o'clock.

The atmosphere outside was peaceful. The crickets chirped occasionally, their singing harmonizing with the echoes of the leaves rustling.