Another night fell over the quiet, cold village—

  but not for the Grandal family.

  In their small wooden house, beneath the dim lantern light, the air was normally filled with a baby’s cries.

  But tonight, laughter echoed instead.

  “Say ‘papa,’ Harlyn.” Hale leaned forward, slowly exaggerating each syllable. “Pa–pa.” He pointed at himself with the biggest smile.

  “No, no, Harlyn! Say ‘mama.” Meryl slid in front of her husband. “Mama loves Harlyn the most in the whole world!” With a fond look

  Harlyn stopped laughing. She looked left… then right… carefully examining the two adults fighting for her attention.

  It genuinely looked like she was choosing.

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  Finally, she turned toward Meryl. Her tiny face lit up.

  “Mama! Mama!”

  Hale closed his eyes, shoulders sinking in defeat.

  Meryl, on the other hand, shot straight into the air. “She called me! She called me!” She grabbed Hale by the shoulders and shook him like she was shaking the world itself.

  Hale rested his chin on his hand, wearing the face of a man who had lost everything. “You’re just lucky I’m not home much…” he muttered.

  Sensing her father’s despair, Harlyn turned toward him.

  “Papa,” she said softly, lifting one arm, pointing.

  Hale’s head snapped around. His eyes widened like he’d just discovered the biggest treasure chest. “My daughter called me! She called me!”

  He leaped up and spun in circles with Meryl, both parents celebrating like two fools so deeply in love with their child!

  Harlyn giggled at the sight, waving her arms happily.