“I'm big now, dad,” Hayden answered while smiling happily, which made his parents reply with a chuckle. “But mom, dad, is everything fine?” Hayden asked, sounding worried.
And his parents could hear the worries in his tone. “Of course, darling. Why did you ask?” Zenni queried.
“It's just that Mom and Dad never called me at this time, and it got me worried,” Hayden replied honestly.
“You were sleeping…” Ethan asked again, with a knowing and a hint of disapproval in his voice—disapproval of Hayden's lies.
Hayden bowed his head, upon realizing that his parents knew about his lies, and he couldn't help but say the truth. “Yes, I was sleeping earlier. Mom and Dad, I'm sorry for lying.” He said while sounding apologetic.
“It's okay. Just don't try it next time. Always tell us the truth. Okay?”
“Yes, mom.” He said, and the voice fell silent, but Hayden knew his parents were still listening to his explanation.
