There is a rapid patter of footsteps followed by a THUD. Before he can even step out of the kitchen, the pattering returns.
Dipping his head into the living room, he sees his daughter zipping about the space.
"You okay?"
She skids to a stop, running over with a drawing held high above her head.
"Look what I made at school! I've been hiding it in my room until today so it would be a surprise! Are you surprised?!"
"Very. That's lovely Sweetheart"
"Mrs. Glitterleaf showed us how to do it! I drew it all by myself! Even the letters!"
His eyebrows raise slightly, "that's very good Swee-"
"I'MGONNAGOSHOWMOM!"
He shakes his head with a smile before calling after her, "Tell your mother that dinner is almost ready!"
"OKAAAY!"
Stepping back into the kitchen, he gives a final inspection to the turkey that has been resting on the counter for the last 30 minutes or so.
"Probably should rest a bit longer... but I am hungry..." he mutters to himself. "Ah, it'll be done by the time we get the table set..."
10 minutes later, he carries it out to a captivated audience.
"That looks great Dear."
"Thank yo-"
"Is this one of Meemaw's chickens?! She said that they eat them sometimes!"
She looks down at her daughter.
"This is a turkey Muffin, like in your drawing."
"Ooooo! Awesome!"
"We actually got it from one of Grandmother's friends." He interjects as he takes a seat at the table.
"Woooah! Do you know what they did with the feathers?"
"I think they use them for fletching and other things as well."
"So..." She says as she looks down at her daughter. "Before we eat, why don't you say what you're thankful for this year?"
"Okay! I'm thankful for Mom and Dad and chickens and Meemaw and Grandpa and Mrs. Glitterleaf and turkey and Mary and Bethany and T'thaniel and..."
This continues for some time, devolving mostly into names of school friends and miscellaneous animals at the zoo that she visited a few days ago...
After the meal is eaten, the man smiles from his armchair as the two girls collapse back onto the couch, both letting out a sound somewhere contented sighs and pained groans.
He allows himself to just enjoy the moment for a bit before forcing himself up onto his feet with a groan.
"Okay... I'm gonna go clean up and do dishes. You girls try to not get into too much trouble ok?"
His wife starts to stand up, but he motions her back down, "I'll take care of it, you just keep an eye on the troublemaker ok?"
A couple hours later...
"Okay ladies. It's time to get up. You don't want to sleep through bedtime do you?"
His daughter slowly blinks awake, wiping the sleep from her eyes.
"But I'm not..." She let's out a long yawn... "But I'm not... tired..."
His wife gathers their daughter up into her arms.
"Ok, well, why don't you just try laying down for a bit and I'll read a story?"
"Mmmmkay..."
The man finally settles down onto the couch with a sigh, closing his eyes for a moment.
Not even five minutes later, his wife returns.
"That was quick..."
"She was out before I even got to the bookshelf. Now scooch."
He groans dramatically as he sits up, his wife settling in beside him.
She leans against him, letting out a long sigh. "What a lovely day..."
He leans down for a gentle kiss as he hums his response, "mhmm".
She looks at him as they spend another moment just snuggling on the couch.
"I'm thankful for you."
Happy Thanksgiving to anyone celebrating today! Hug your friends, family, pets, close work associates (if appropriate), or whoever! 💕
Find the images here!
https://civitai.com/posts/24687880
You can find all my short stories here: https://civitai.com/articles/22874