She couldn't believe her eyes.

As soon as Nora stepped out of her car she charged towards her parent's shop and before she could get to the door, Graycen runs towards her screaming her name

"Mom, mom".

"Oh my baby", Nora answers as she gets on her knees and opens up her arms. Graycen runs into her arms and Nora hugs her tight.

"Mom not so tight, it hurts", Graycen cries out. Nora lets her go and notices the bandaid on her wrist.

"What happened baby", Nora enquires. "I slipped at the playground", Graycen replies.

Nora's heart skipped a beat as she noticed the bandaid on Graycen's wrist. Concern etched across her face, she gently took her daughter's hand and examined the injury.

"Oh, my poor baby," Nora cooed, her voice filled with empathy. "Does it hurt a lot?"

Graycen nodded, tears glistening in her eyes. "Yes, Mommy. It really hurts."

Nora's motherly instincts kicked into high gear as she carefully removed the bandaid, revealing a small scrape beneath. She winced sympathetically, knowing how painful even the tiniest wounds could feel for a child.

"We'll make it all better, sweetheart," Nora reassured, her voice soothing. "Let's clean it up and put a fresh bandaid on, okay?"

Graycen nodded, trusting her mother to alleviate her pain. Nora gently led her into the shop, where her parents and Greg awaited

Nora's parents worried expressions melted into relief as they saw their daughter in Nora's arms.

"Thank you so much, for bringing her home", Nora said to Greg,

"it was the least I could do", Greg said trying to sound modest.

"Mom, can he also come to my party?", Graycen asked, with her most cute face.

"pls mummy", she begged.

Greg was smiling down at Graycen showing off his cute dimples.

"Okay dear, if Mr Greg will have the time", Nora said, looking at Greg.

"I will be there", Greg said and Graycen smiled, clearly happy that Greg would be there at her birthday.

Her father, Mr. Johnson, hurriedly grabbed a first aid kit, while her mother, Mrs. Johnson, prepared a warm bowl of water and a clean cloth. They all gathered around, creating a circle of love and support for Graycen.

Nora gently cleaned the scrape, her touch as delicate as a feather. She felt a mix of emotions, wanting to take away her daughter's pain and make everything right in her world. As she carefully applied the antiseptic and placed a fresh bandaid on Graycen's wrist, she couldn't help but shower her with kisses and words of comfort.

"You're so brave, my little warrior," Nora whispered, her voice filled with admiration. "Mommy is here for you, and we'll always take care of you."

Graycen smiled through her tears, her trust in her mother unwavering.

With Graycen's wrist now taken care of, Nora held her daughter close, revelling in the warmth of their embrace. She couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for her parents' presence and support, and for the deep bond she shared with her precious daughter.

"I'll love to take a nap now", Graycen said to her mother, her eyelids already closing.

"Can you give me a minute let me attend to her", Nora pleaded and Greg nodded in approval. Nora lifted Grayen onto her shoulders and took her to the backroom where her bed was kept.

"Mommy", Graycen called out, Mr Greg is so nice...", she said as she dozed off.

When Nora came back out, Greg told her that

he had to get back to school to see the other kids he had left behind, Nora bid him farewell and he promised to attend Graycen's birthday.

The sun began to peek through the curtains, casting a gentle glow into Graycen's room. As the first rays of the morning light illuminated the room, Graycen's eyes fluttered open. It was her special day, her birthday, and the excitement bubbled within her.

Nora stirred awake, feeling the weight of her daughter's gaze upon her. She turned to face Graycen, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Sweetie, how long have you been awake?" she asked, pinching Graycen's rosy cheeks lovingly.

"It's my birthday," Graycen whispered, her eyes sparkling with delight.

Nora couldn't help but feel her heart swell with joy. "My birthday girl," she cheered, planting a kiss on Graycen's forehead. The day was off to an early start, and the anticipation for what lay ahead filled the air.

Graycen was so excited, Nora joined her daughter in embracing the day. They shared a special breakfast, savouring each moment of their time as mother and daughter. Nora couldn't help but reflect on how quickly her little girl had grown, marvelling at the strong, intelligent, and beautiful person Graycen was becoming.

As the morning progressed, Nora immersed herself in the final preparations for Graycen's birthday celebration. The house came alive with activity as decorations were carefully placed, balloons inflated, and the table was set with delicious treats. Nora wanted everything to be perfect for her daughter's special day.

At 11 am, the sound of laughter and chatter filled the air as the guests began to arrive. Kids, accompanied by their parents, entered the house with wide-eyed excitement, ready to join in the festivities. Nora organized games, toy shows, and entertainment to keep the children entertained, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone.

Amidst the whirlwind of excitement, Nora's reward was the radiant smile on Graycen's face. Seeing her daughter so full of joy and surrounded by loved ones warmed Nora's heart. It was a testament to the love and care she had poured into planning this special day.

Suddenly, at about 1 pm, the door swung open, and Greg entered.

As Nora approached Greg at the door, her heart fluttered nervously. She couldn't deny the attraction she felt towards him, and today she had taken special care of her appearance. She had put extra effort into selecting an outfit that accentuated her curves and made her feel confident.

In her fuchsia pink trousers and matching sequenced crop top, Nora knew she looked good. The outfit hugged her figure in all the right places, highlighting her phenomenal shape. The top, with its delicate sequins, added a touch of glamour to her ensemble. She had chosen the length carefully, ensuring it just grazed her waist, revealing a hint of skin without being overly revealing.

Nora had styled her raven hair into a sleek ponytail, allowing her features to shine. The silver studded earrings added a touch of sparkle, framing her face and drawing attention to her expressive eyes. She felt a surge of self-assuredness, ready to face the day with confidence.

"Thank you for coming," Nora greeted Greg warmly as she opened the door. Her eyes briefly scanned his attire, noting the crisp white shirt that accentuated his strong physique and the well-fitted blue jeans that showcased his casual yet fashionable style. She couldn't help but admire his attention to detail, even in his choice of clothing.

Greg's dimpled smile greeted Nora, causing a flutter in her chest. His smile had always been a weakness of hers, a charming feature that never failed to make her swoon. She found herself drawn to his well-toned, hairy arms, visible as he casually folded his shirt sleeves.

"Thank you for having me," Greg replied, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. His eyes locked with Nora's, a subtle connection that sent a tingle of excitement through her.

Nora couldn't help but feel a magnetic pull towards Greg, a mix of admiration for his professional dedication as a teacher and an undeniable attraction that sparked between them.

With a quick catch of her breath and a lingering smile, Nora guided Greg further into the festivities, their paths intertwining in the vibrant energy of the birthday celebration

Greg went to greet her parents who were busy attending to the children. And then she found Graycen and handed her a gift bag. Graycen thanked him and kept the gift with the rest of her gifts and went back to her friends. Nora's eyes followed Greg's every move. She couldn't help but be drawn to his confident yet approachable demeanour. His interactions with the children showcased his warm and friendly nature, further igniting her admiration.

Deciding to seize the moment, Nora approached Greg, a smile playing on her lips. She could feel her heart beating a little faster as she closed the distance between them. Just as she was about to ask him what he would like to eat or drink, her eyes caught sight of a familiar face across the room. Nora stared in disbelief, she couldn't believe her eyes.