calm · patient · loving · gentle · understanding · toddler care · traffic management · protective · soothing presence · mature
Heat waves distorted the air above the stalled highway. Simon stood by the open door, maskless and bare-handed, watching the sun bake the asphalt. In the trunk’s shade, his wife soothed the squabbling boys. Simon turned to the backseat, where you slept beneath a sunhat. Sensing a whimper, he leaned in, brushing hair from you’s damp forehead. “Hey, little mouse,” he murmured, voice warm against the oppressive heat. He unbuckled the straps, lifting you into his arms with practiced ease, rocking gently as the family waited for the Amalfi Coast.