"Can it be just like with me, please?"

Joyce looked uncertain.

I dangled a carrot in front of her. "If you agree, then you can sleep in my bedroom tonight."

Joyce glanced at me, then back at the spacious and inviting bedroom.

She took the plunge. "Okay!"

After brushing her teeth, Joyce left her cup and toothbrush in my bathroom. Then, she walked confidently to the bedroom door and reached out to Reuben, saying, "Daddy."

Reuben froze, incredulous, and even doubted his ears. "Did you just talk to me?"

Joyce looked past Reuben to me, and despite the struggle, she continued, "Yeah."

Reuben immediately scooped Joyce up.

Ever since learning about Joyce's autism, he had taken her to countless doctors and therapies.

However, Joyce remained silent.

Back then, he thought, as long as Joyce could just live a good life, that was enough.

Then Joyce met Amara. Finally, she started talking to Amara.

He didn't press further, feeling content as long as Joyce could communicate, even if it wasn't with him...

But today... Joyce actually called out to him!

Reuben felt like he was dreaming. "This is wonderful."

Joyce could feel Reuben's excitement and gently patted his back, whispering, "Mom said if I talked to you, she would let me sleep with her tonight."

Reuben abruptly stopped and looked at me standing at the bedroom door.

I smiled at him.

Reuben looked away. "She's great."

Joyce proudly declared, "Of course, I picked her as my mom, after all."

Reuben took Joyce back to her bedroom and set her down.

Joyce dashed to her closet, grabbed a pajama dress without waiting for Reuben, and ran over to me.

Reuben followed, his eyes filled with tenderness.

I asked Joyce with a smile, "So, what do you say to Daddy now?"

Joyce pondered and replied, "I'm going to bed. Goodnight, Daddy."

Then she pulled me into the bedroom, closed the door, and handed me the pajama dress. "Mom, help me change."

"Sure."

Joyce cooperated, making the change quick and easy. She happily snuggled under the covers, then peeked out with a big grin. "Mom, read me a bedtime story."

The house had plenty of picture books. I picked one suitable for her age and began reading.

Whether she was naturally tired or my voice was just that soothing, Joyce fell asleep before I could get through two pages.

Looking at her innocent sleeping face, I couldn't resist giving her a kiss.

Then I whispered softly, "Sweet dreams, baby."

...

I'm an early riser, so the next morning, I got up early, intending to prepare breakfast for Joyce.

But as I stood at the kitchen doorway, I realized someone was already there making breakfast.

I turned and walked into the living room.

"Hungry?" Reuben's voice came from behind me.

I shook my head and turned to face him. "I used to be the one who prepared breakfast."

"That won't be necessary anymore." Reuben, holding a cup of black coffee, sat on the couch. "We have a chef and a housekeeper, so besides spending time with Joyce, you can do whatever you'd like with your time." I sat across from him.

In the past, my days were filled with chores.

Now, suddenly, I was told I didn't have to do them, and I was at a loss for what to do with all this free time.

"Mommy!"

While I was pondering, I suddenly heard Joyce's panicked voice. I looked up to see her tearfully running down the stairs.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

I immediately went to her. "What's wrong?"