Dave couldn't help but smile as he felt his daughter's small arms around his neck. Her sweet voice and innocent request tugged at his heartstrings. He kissed her on the cheek and gently replied,
"Of course, I'll try to come and pick you up whenever I can, sweetheart."
As they walked towards the car, the little girl remained clinging to him, her small body pressing against his, and her eyes gleaming with happiness. She giggled, clearly content with her father's promise, and nestled her head on his shoulder.
Dave's thoughts, however, wandered as he carried her. He knew that his life was complicated, and the situation with Laurent, his mother, and everything surrounding his family was far from simple. But in that moment, holding his daughter in his arms, he felt a fleeting sense of peace—a feeling that he would do anything to protect her from the turmoil that seemed to be closing in on him.