Chapter 30: Playtime and First Fall
A Bright Morning
The Jenner household was alive with energy as the morning sun streamed through the windows. Simon was up early, preparing breakfast while Alex played with his toys in the living room. Gigi sipped her coffee, watching her husband juggle fatherhood and his military discipline with ease.
"Da-da!" Alex called, holding up a toy plane. "Zoom!"
Simon turned, smiling. "You're getting good at that, buddy! After breakfast, we'll take you outside for some real zooming."
Alex clapped his hands excitedly, his laughter filling the room.
Playtime in the Backyard
After breakfast, the family headed to the backyard. Simon set up a small play area with a slide, a swing, and a soft patch of grass for Alex to run around. Gigi spread a blanket under the shade, ready to watch her boys.
"Alright, Alex," Simon said, crouching down to his son's level. "Let's see those zooming skills."
Alex grinned, holding his toy plane high as he ran in circles, making airplane noises. Simon ran beside him, pretending to be a bigger plane, his arms stretched out.
"You're fast, but can you catch me?" Simon teased, speeding up slightly.
Alex squealed with joy, chasing his dad with all the energy his tiny legs could muster.
The First Fall
In his excitement, Alex ran a bit too fast, tripping over his own feet. He tumbled onto the grass, landing on his hands and knees.
Gigi gasped, starting to rise, but Simon held up a hand. "Wait," he said gently, watching Alex closely.
Alex sat there for a moment, his lower lip trembling as he looked at his scraped knee. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he looked to Simon.
Simon walked over calmly, kneeling beside Alex. "Hey, buddy," he said softly, "that's a tough fall. But you're even tougher, right?"
Alex sniffled, nodding slightly.
Simon smiled, pulling out a small bandage from his pocket (always prepared). "Let's patch you up, and you can get back to being the fastest plane in the sky."
A Lesson in Resilience
As Simon cleaned and bandaged the scrape, he talked to Alex. "You know, falling is part of life. It happens to everyone—even me."
Alex looked up at him. "Da-da fall?"
Simon chuckled. "Oh, many times. But you know what I do?"
Alex shook his head, his curiosity overriding his tears.
"I get back up," Simon said, gently patting Alex's shoulder. "And so will you, because you're strong, just like your mom and me."
Back to Play
With his scrape patched up and his confidence restored, Alex was back on his feet in no time. He ran to the slide, climbing up and laughing as he slid down into Simon's waiting arms.
"You're a natural, kiddo!" Simon praised, spinning Alex around before setting him down.
Gigi watched from the blanket, her heart full. "You're so good with him," she said as Simon joined her for a moment.
"I just want him to grow up strong," Simon replied, pulling her close. "And to know that no matter what, he can always count on us."
A Family Moment
As the sun began to set, the three of them sat on the blanket, watching the sky turn shades of orange and pink. Alex rested in Simon's lap, his energy finally spent for the day.
"You're going to grow up to do great things, Alex," Simon murmured, brushing a hand through his son's soft hair.
Gigi leaned against Simon, smiling. "With you as his dad, he's already off to an amazing start."
Simon kissed her forehead, his heart full as he looked at the family he'd always dreamed of.
To Be Continued...