Little Bun took her hand and tugged her inside with a sense of urgency. Liling followed, her spirits lifting with each step.
The house was warm and inviting, the soft glow of the morning sun casting a cosy light over the room. It felt like a sanctuary, a stark contrast to the oppressive atmosphere she had just escaped.
They gathered pillows, blankets, and cushions, Little Bun directing her with all the seriousness of a seasoned architect, his tiny face scrunched up in concentration as he instructed her where to place each item.
Lilling found herself smiling more than she had in weeks, the weight of the morning's events slowly lifting off her shoulders.
She watched his eyes sparkle with pride staring at the completed fort. He quickly wrote: "It's perfect"
She smiled, wrapping an arm around him. "It is."
They crawled inside, the fort cosy and filled with soft light from the early afternoon sun filtering through the curtains. He nestled beside her, his excitement still palpable. He began to draw on his tablet, his small hands moving quickly as he sketched.
They played games, read books, baked cookies and tidied up together.
Little Bun was a whirlwind of activity, his silent laughter and expressive gestures filling the house with joy. She could feel her love for the little boy growing with each passing second.
The day passed in the blink of an eye, and it was soon evening. She decided she would take up the responsibility of bathing Little Bun.
After the process of running his bath, bathing him and getting him into his pyjamas, she sat him atop his bed as she slowly blow-dried his soft dripping hair.
They then went down for dinner, which they ate without Li Hao, watched a short movie then went up to bed.
They both lay atop Little Bun's bed, her arms gently wrapped around him. She stroked his hair softly, lulling him to sleep and enjoying the deep sense of peace washing over her.
Little Bun, who had been so full of energy all day, was finally beginning to settle down, his eyes fluttering as sleep began to claim him.
He nestled closer to her, his tiny hands clutching the hem of her top. His breathing grew slower, more even, and Liling smiled softly, watching his face relax in sleep.
She continued to stroke his hair, the repetitive motion calming her as much as it did him. The room was quiet, the only sound was the soft rustling of the sheets as Little Bun shifted slightly, seeking more of her warmth.
Liling's own eyes began to grow heavy. She let out a soft sigh, her hand still resting on Little Bun's head.
Without realizing it, she drifted off, her body sinking into the comfort of the bed.
Li Hao had finally finished up his work in his study, and he decided to check on Little Bun to tuck him in for the night. He made his way quietly down the hallway, expecting to find Little Bun already asleep on his bed.
As he approached the bedroom, he noticed the door slightly ajar, the soft glow of the nightlight spilling out into the hallway.
He pushed the door open gently, careful to not make noise. He was met with a sight that surprised him. There on the bed lay both Liling and Little Bun curled up asleep on the bed together.
Little Bun was nestled close to Liling, his head resting against her arm, while Liling's hand lay protectively over him.
He stepped closer taking in the sight, an amused smile slowly spreading over his face.
He was pleasantly surprised to see how close they had become, Little Bun was usually more closed off when meeting new people. He also couldn't believe how naturally Liling had accepted Little Bun. It filled him with a sense of warmth.
Quietly, he moved to the side of the bed carefully adjusting the blanket, and tucking it around both Liling and Little Bun. His movements were gentle making sure to not disturb them.
He leaned down and pressed a light kiss to Little Bun's forehead, and couldn't resist brushing a stray lock of hair away from Liling's face, his fingers lingering for just a moment.
He leaned on the doorway for a little longer. Enjoying the quiet calm, and sense of peace he hadn't felt in a long time.
With one last glance at their peaceful faces, he turned off the light and quietly closed the door. He walked back down the hallway, his heart light, a playful smile on his lips.