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Joe gently lifted Mike into his arms, planting kisses on his tear-stained face in an attempt to soothe his pain. Elijah joined them when Joe offered to drop him off, their departure marked by emotional goodbyes.
As Daddy and I headed to our car, the events of the day replayed in my mind. "Daddy, I'm just worried about Mike. What if he never finds Teddy? What if this sadness just stays with him?" I asked, my voice reflecting my concern.
Daddy wrapped an arm around my shoulder, comforting me. "Joe will take care of him, like he always has. They have a strong bond, just like us. And we'll be there for Mike, too. Sometimes, just knowing you're not alone is enough to get through the tough times."
His words offered comfort, a reminder of the resilience and strength found in the bonds of family and friendship. As we drove home, the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, each one a distant beacon of hope in the darkness.
Chapter 3: Lina
THE DAY TOOK AN EXCITING TURN when Mike sauntered into my office with a big sealed box. His eyes sparkled with the kind of excitement that was contagious.
"Is that what I think it is?" I asked, grinning from ear to ear.
Nodding enthusiastically, Mike replied, "You bet! After all the delays, we finally got the prototypes from Liltech. Time to test these babies and brainstorm some killer ads for their Daddy/Little product line!"
Before we could dive into the box, Joe and Daddy knocked and stepped into my office. Joe, with his usual grumpy demeanor, quipped, "Looks like you two have also received the prototypes. The battle of creativity begins!"
Mike, never one to back down from a challenge, shot back, "Battle? More like a showcase of Team Little's brilliance, Daddy!"
Hank chuckled. "Oh, you mean showcasing how Team Daddy is going to outshine you with our experience and wisdom?"
I joined in, my competitive spirit ignited. "Experience? Please, Daddy. Fresh ideas always triumph over old school methods. Right, Mike?"
Mike gave me a high-five. "Absolutely! Team Little is all about innovation and fun. Team Daddy is going to eat our dust!"
Joe feigned a wounded look. "Mike, Mike, Mike. When will you learn, my sweet boy? Wisdom always wins. And let's not forget, we have Hank, the master strategist."
Daddy nodded sagely. "True. Our strategies are like fine wine, they only get better with age."
Mike pretended to gag. "Please, spare us the clichés. Team Little is about to school you in modern advertising. Prepare to be dazzled!"
I laughed, adding fuel to the playful fire. "Yeah, get ready to take notes, Team Daddy. Class is in session, and Professor Lina is about to drop some knowledge!"
Hank leaned against the doorframe, a smirk playing on his lips. "We'll see, princess. We’ll see."
Joe chuckled, "Well, Mike, ready to concede defeat to Team Daddy?"
Mike, with his usual sass, shot back, "Concede? Daddy, you're looking at the rightful owners of that million-dollar prize. Team Little is going to snag it, one way or another! And when we win, we'll make sure to send Team Daddy a postcard from our victory lap!"
Joe laughed heartily. "Declaring victory already? You can't just crown yourselves the winners, you know."
Hank joined the fun with a chuckle. "That's right. The prize will go to whichever team wins the client over."
I replied with a cheeky grin, "Well, then, I guess we'll see you at the finish line, Hank. Don't forget your binoculars to watch Team Little take the lead!"
Uncle Joe, ever the playful antagonist, suggested, "I bet Team Little will just blow their winnings on a bunch of toysthey'll never play with, a mountain of candy, and maybe a lifetime supply of glitter."
Mike feigned offense, his expression comical. "Hey, if you're referring to my superhero toy collection, they're collectibles, Daddy. And as I've explained several times, they're meant to stay sealed. It's an investment."
I jumped in, "And let's not forget Team Daddy, who'll probably spend it on a fancy car that's too precious to drive and will just sit in the garage gathering dust."
Daddy feigned offense this time, his tone playful yet earnest. "Lina, I've been dreaming of owning that car since I could ride a bike. It won't just sit in a garage!"
Mike, sensing an opportunity, suggested with a grin, "Maybe Team Daddy should just gracefully bow out now and give up the prize money. Team Little's creative ideas are unbeatable."
Joe scoffed, shaking his head. "In your dreams, my sweet boy. In your dreams." With that, he and Hank walked out of my office, their laughter echoing down the hall.
Mike and I exchanged excited glances, our creative minds buzzing with ideas. He leaned back in his chair, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
