"Hm?" Primo woke up, only to find it was still dark.
He rubbed his eyes and sat up, quietly swinging his legs off the bed. But when he stood, he realized this was no longer his bedroom in the mansion. The bathroom was downstairs.
Having adjusted to this smaller place, Primo quietly made his way down. Once he reached the floor, he paused and turned toward the living area.
A faint crease formed on his brow when he saw Ashley and Lucian sleeping on the couch.
Curious, the little boy approached them. Lucian had fallen asleep seated, his head resting on his knuckles, his elbow propped on the armrest.
Ashley, meanwhile, was sprawled across him—her head resting on a pillow on his lap. One leg draped over the backrest, the other stretched out onto a footstool. Her mouth was slightly open, snoring faintly.
It looked like a scene straight out of a movie; drunkards passed out after a long night.
Why did they sleep here? he wondered, knowing they had all gone to bed at the same time.
Did they watch another movie?
Primo pursed his lips, studying the sleeping duo. They looked exhausted. Little did he know, the two had kept everyone awake all night with their chasing game, only to collapse onto the couch once they returned home.
I wonder if he asked her, he thought, reaching for a soft wool blanket and gently pulling it over Ashley’s shoulder.
He then glanced at his father, who slept peacefully despite the awkward position.
Wouldn’t his neck hurt?
"Hmm? Primo?"
Primo flinched when Ashley’s soft voice broke the silence. Turning, he saw her blinking her sleepy eyes open.
"What are you doing here...?" Ashley rubbed her eyes as she pushed herself up, only to realize she had fallen asleep in the living room. Then she noticed Lucian.
Not dwelling on it, she turned back to Primo. "Primo, what time is it? Why are you here?"
Still half-asleep, she assumed it might already be time for school. Meanwhile, Lucian stirred as well, his eyes cracking open slightly at the sight of her sitting up and Primo standing before them.
Primo signed, [Bathroom.]
"Bathroom?" she murmured, checking the time. "I see. Come, I’ll take you."
Without much thought, Ashley took his hand and led him to the bathroom.
As for Lucian, he checked the time. It was still early.
Unlike Ashley, who had been roused by Primo, Lucian gazed on the lights leading to the bathroom.
He sighed, already feeling a bit worried this early in the morning.
*****
When Ashley and Lucian woke again, she brought Primo back to his room to make sure he could sleep a little longer. After that, the two of them returned to their bedroom for more rest.
When morning came, Ashley saw them off as usual.
"Primo, I added extra portions so you can share with your friends," she said with a grin, squatting in front of him, her apron tied neatly like a uniform. "I noticed you finished all your lunch and snacks yesterday."
Primo nodded, holding his lunch bags. Then he looked at Lucian.
"We’re off," Lucian said, and Ashley nodded, waving them goodbye.
It was only the second day, but father and son moved in sync. Lucian opened the car door, and Primo climbed into the front passenger seat. Then Lucian buckled him in.
Can you just love me?


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