Chapter 5

It was a bright Sunday morning. David woke up early, stretching before heading to wake up Lily.

"Lily, time to get up!" he called softly. She stirred, opening her eyes with a sleepy smile.

"Good morning, Daddy!" she beamed, hopping out of bed.

After freshening up, David asked, "What do you want for breakfast, my little chef?"

"Pancakes! With lots of syrup!" Lily exclaimed, clapping her hands.

"Coming right up," he chuckled. "And enough to share with your friends."

She grinned. "Also… can I bring my kite? I want to fly it really high!"

"Sure thing," David agreed. He headed to the kitchen and, with a skillful flip, filled the griddle with golden pancakes.

Soon after, with breakfast eaten, they packed up snacks and toys in a big picnic basket. Lily bustled around, grabbing last-minute items.

"Should we take the red blanket? It's my favorite!" she asked, holding it up.

"Absolutely," David said, smiling. "And don't forget Mr. Bun!"

Lily gasped. "Mr. Bun's coming with us! Yay!"

David added juice bottles to the basket, saying, "A picnic's not complete without these."

After double-checking their supplies, they headed to the park, where they met up with Joon, Mina, and Hyun.

"Lily! Over here!" called Mina, waving as they arrived.

Lily ran up to them. "You all came so fast!"

Joon looked at her eagerly. "Did you bring the kite?"

Hyun grinned. "I can help! I'm good at flying kites."

"Yep! And we have cookies, too," Lily chimed in, as they walked together to their picnic spot.

David took out the kite, kneeling down to show the kids. "Alright, Joon, hold the string and go a little farther back," he instructed.

Joon stepped back, clutching the string tightly.

"On three, let it go!" David said.

The kids counted together. "One, two, three!"

Joon released the kite, and David guided it skillfully as it soared into the sky.

"Look at it go!" Lily squealed. "Higher, Daddy!"

Soon, Joon took his turn, holding the string tightly as David handed it over. "Hold tight now," he said, smiling.

The kite passed between each kid, each one laughing as they watched it dance in the breeze. When it was time for lunch, David called them over.

"Who's hungry?" he asked, setting out sandwiches, fruits, and juice.

"This sandwich is so good!" Lily said with a mouthful.

"And the fruit's so sweet!" Hyun added, munching happily.

"Hey, Joon, trade me your chips for my cookie?" Mina teased.

"No way!" Joon laughed, holding his chips protectively.

After they finished eating, Lily clapped her hands. "Let's play treasure hunt! Daddy, will you hide the toys?"

David smiled. "Alright, everyone close your eyes. No peeking!"

The kids squeezed their eyes shut as David hid toys around the picnic area. When he was done, he announced, "Ready! You have two minutes to find as many as you can. Go!"

"I'm going to find the most!" Lily declared, dashing off.

Hyun darted toward the playground. "I'll check over here!"

Joon ran to the trees. "I'm searching the bushes!"

Laughing and racing around, they found the hidden toys one by one. In the end, Mina won, with the most toys collected.

As the sun began to set, David helped gather the toys. He said goodbye to Joon, Mina, and Hyun before he and Lily headed home.

"Did you have fun today?" he asked as they walked.

Lily nodded, her eyes bright. "It was the best day, Daddy! Can we do this again soon?"

David smiled warmly. "Of course. Any time you want, Lily."

That evening, after dinner and Lily's medication, David tucked her into bed. As he kissed her goodnight, she whispered, "Thanks, Daddy."

David felt his heart swell. "Sweet dreams, my little explorer."

With a sleepy smile, Lily drifted off, her day of laughter and sunshine filling her dreams.

November 14, 20XX

Lily woke up early, sunlight streaming through the curtains as she opened them wide. The warm rays filled her room, making her smile. She hopped out of bed, her excitement bubbling over.

As she padded down the stairs, she heard the clattering of pans.

"Breakfast is ready! Hurry up, or you're going to be late!" David called from the kitchen.

"Coming!" Lily shouted back, her voice cheerful.

In the kitchen, the aroma of pancakes wafted through the air, golden and fluffy on the plate. "You made my favorite!" she exclaimed, sitting down.

"Of course! I know how much you love them," David replied with a grin, serving her a stack topped with syrup and strawberries.

After a hearty breakfast, David helped Lily get ready. He brushed her hair, tying it in a neat ponytail, and double-checked her backpack before driving her to daycare.

When they arrived, Lily spotted Joon and the others waiting at the entrance.

"Joon! You have dark circles under your eyes!" she teased.

"I stayed up late playing," Joon admitted, stifling a yawn.

"You should sleep more. I heard we have a surprise today!" Hyun chimed in.

"What kind of surprise?" Mina asked, bouncing on her heels.

"I don't know!" Hyun replied with a shrug.

As they entered the daycare, David waved goodbye and headed to work.

After a morning filled with games, the teacher gathered everyone for an announcement. "Kids, I have an exciting surprise! This Friday, we are having a talent show!"

Lily turned to Joon, her eyes sparkling. "We should all perform!"

"What can we do? Singing? Dancing?" Mina suggested, her enthusiasm infectious.

"I can play guitar!" Hyun added, raising his hand.

During lunch break, the four friends huddled together, brainstorming ideas.

"Let's do a dance! Everyone will love it!" Mina said, clapping her hands.

"Yeah! We can practice after school!" Joon agreed, bouncing in his seat.

"I'll play guitar while you dance," Hyun chimed in, already imagining the performance.

After lunch, they gathered on the playground, the grass soft beneath their feet. Joon tried to lead the group, but Lily patiently explained the dance moves, her face lit up with excitement. They practiced and laughed, their joy echoing through the daycare until it was time to go home.

David arrived to pick Lily up, a warm smile on his face. As they drove home, Lily's mind raced with thoughts of the talent show.

Once home, Lily noticed a box on the couch. "Dad! What's this?" she asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"It's a surprise I brought for you," David said, his smile widening.

"What's in it?" she inquired, bouncing on her toes.

"A brand new dress!" David announced, revealing a stunning blue dress.

Lily's face lit up. "Wow! Thank you, Dad! It's beautiful!" She took the dress to her room, eager to try it on.

Moments later, she twirled down the stairs, her eyes sparkling. "Do I look like a star?" she asked, striking a pose.

"You look beautiful!" David praised, his heart swelling with pride.

"Can I wear it on Friday?" she asked, bouncing with excitement.

"What do you have on Friday?" he asked, pretending to think.

"We have the talent show!" Lily reminded him eagerly.

"Okay, then you can wear it," David said, smiling.

"I can't wait to show it to everyone! I hope we can win!" Lily said, her dreams soaring high.

David chuckled gently. "It's not about winning, sweetie; it's about having fun."

"Okay, Dad," Lily replied, her enthusiasm undeterred.

That evening, after a delicious dinner of homemade spaghetti and garlic bread, they settled in together. David had whipped up a flavorful tomato sauce, simmering it with herbs, while Lily helped set the table, her excitement for the talent show still bubbling inside her.

After dinner and a few games, they both headed to bed, the day's joy lingering in their hearts.

"Goodnight, Lily," David said, tucking her in.

"Goodnight, Dad! I love you!" she called out as she drifted into a peaceful sleep, dreaming of dancing and bright lights.