6 years earlier.
"Mama!! Help!!" An 8 year old Kosi yells from the kitchen.
Hurried footsteps emanate from his parents bedroom as his mother rushes out to her shrieking child.
"Surprise!!" Yelled an overly excited Kosi and his equally giddy father much to the shock and semi annoyance of the woman.
"Happy birthday to you" the pair began to sing. Her annoyance cracking and fading into joy with how much they clearly worked on the decorations and breakfast in the background.
"Happy birthday dear mama. Happy birthday to you" they concluded as Kosi ran into his mother's arms to hug her.
"Happy birthday mama me and dad made you breakfast" he said elated, hopping up and down. "I can see that" the now beaming woman said being led to the table by her son.
"Your chair madam" Kosi's father said over dramatically as he pulled out her seat for her.
"Why thank you" she replied giggling as she sat. "So who's idea was the chocolate pancakes" she continued looking at both of them who simply looked back at her grinning.
Kosi simply looked at his father and said "dad said he made them for you when you guys met".
Looking down at her pancakes on her plate she said "aww Michael it's what you wrote in our first date". Moved by the message written in small pieces of chocolate she kissed her husband.
"Oh what's it say mommy" Kosi asked. "Oh honey it says you still taste be- actually not important eat your breakfast sweetie" she stopped herself.
Watching her husband hold back his smile she simply gave him a look and mouthed "Michael". Lip shaking trying avoid smiling he cleared his throat and replied "Nice save Jules".
Both looking at their now oblivious son who was excitedly eating his pancakes. Now stacking them to eat as a sandwich they simply looked on dumbfounded and entertained.
"What?" Kosi asked confused looking up from his breakfast. Both just laughed in amusement and ate their breakfasts
Later that morning having all prepared for their respective days there was a knock on the door.
"Babe can you get that" Julia said to Michael. Michael proceeded to answer the door.
On the other side was a 12 year old boy. "Hey Mr Blue my mom told me to come ask if Kosi was ready to go" an energetic boy proclaimed.
"Hey Brodie, early today but yeah he's ready one sec" Michael responded but before he knew it Kosi was already at the door.
"Big bro!!" He said running to greet his self appointed big brother Brodie.
"Hey little bro" he said before gesturing to Kosi's face. Kosi simply reached into the pocket of his cargo pants and pulled out his breathing mask.
"Always have it" he proudly proclaimed. "Wait!" He said before turning to give his dad a big hug. "I love you dad" he said affectionately. "I love you too K" his dad replied hugging him and then letting go with a ruffle of his hair.
"I love you mom" he affectionately says running to give his mom an equally massive hug. "I love you too sweetie" his mother says with a hint of sadness to her voice.
"Alright bye guys" he says as he leaves with Brodie. "Bye K, bye Brodie" the pair say. "Bye Mr and Mrs Blue I'll make sure he gets back safe" Brodie says as Kosi closes the door behind them both.
A tear falls from Julia's face as she watches the Shut door. "Babe... he's so sweet" she says smiling. "Wow, phew this is getting hard" she continues.
Michael approaches and hugs her. "I know but just remember we're doing this for him" he says softly to his now softly sobbing wife.
"I.. can't lose him" she says crying onto his chest. "Shh, babe we're gonna be fine. He says stroking her hair before continuing, "You're a boss we're making great progress, nothings gone wrong yet, we got this" he finishes off with a tight squeeze.
After a moment she let's out a sigh and gives Michael a squeeze before letting him go. He let's go in turn.
"Well guess I need a new shirt" Michael said giggling looking down at his now tear stained shirt.
Julia let's out an exhausted laugh. "Wow I'm sorry I don't know what got over me" she said standing awkwardly.
"Love don't worry I'm here for you whenever you need a shirt ruining cry" he replied with a mischievous smile.
"Phew alright I'm ok now let's get going" Julia said wiping her tears.
"Babe you wanna take a personal day? Everyone would understand. We can just say you wanted to take today off since it's your birthday and all" he said in a concerned tone.
"No it's ok who's lead everyone on the climb if not me, like u said, total boss" she said almost forcing a smile.
"...alright" he replied tentatively.
The two departed for work on as part of the digging team on The Exploration Project.