“We’re going to Antarctica! It’s full of ice and snow, and there are adorable penguins,” Danielle said with a smile, trying to ease her daughter’s worries.
“Antarctica!” Niki’s eyes lit up, but then her little brow furrowed. “I saw it on TV. It’s super cold there. Mommy, you have to wear lots of clothes so you don’t get sick.”
With that, she turned and darted into her room. A moment later, she ran back out, clutching two neatly wrapped little boxes.
She presented them to Danielle like a treasure. “Mommy, I bought these for you with my allowance!”
Danielle took the boxes and gently unwrapped them.
Inside were two pairs of fluffy pink gloves with tiny snowflakes embroidered on the fingertips, along with two matching knit hats, each with a small pom-pom dangling from the brim. They looked both cute and warm.
She picked up the second set of gloves and the hat, looking at Niki with confusion. “Is this for Mommy, too?”
“Nope.” Niki shook her head, her little face serious. “That set is for Daddy Alexander! You said Antarctica is very cold, and Daddy isn't well, so he needs to wear warm gloves and a hat, too.”
Danielle’s heart was instantly flooded with a wave of warmth, and her eyes couldn't help but well up.
She never imagined that little Niki would be so considerate of Alexander.
Lately, while Alexander hadn't deliberately tried to get close, he would often bring Niki small gifts. He would spend a little time playing with her building blocks, and perhaps it was these small gestures of care that had made Niki accept him as her father in her heart.
“Thank you, Niki. Mommy loves them, and I’m sure Daddy will love them, too.”
Danielle pulled her daughter into a tight hug, her voice catching with emotion. “Our Niki is such a thoughtful, good girl.”
Niki snuggled into her embrace, her small hands wrapped tightly around her mother’s neck. “You have to come back soon, Mommy. I’ll miss you.”
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