Baby nova finds a friend 🥰

The sterile scent of disinfectant mingled with the faint sweetness of children’s snacks as Zoid navigated the brightly colored halls of the daycare. Little Nova, nestled securely in her carrier, gurgled contentedly, her tiny fists clenching and unclenching against Zoid’s chest. It was a familiar ritual, this drop-off, a bittersweet dance between Zoid’s desire to be present for every single one of Nova’s milestones and the undeniable pull of their own life, their own work, their own relationship with Luke.

They found themselves in the ‘Wobbler’ room, a riot of soft mats, oversized building blocks, and an assortment of plush toys that seemed to dwarf the pint-sized inhabitants. Other parents milled about, a hushed symphony of goodbyes and reassurances. Zoid placed Nova gently onto a soft, blue mat, her eyes wide, taking in the new surroundings.

As Zoid knelt to give Nova a final, lingering kiss, a small voice piped up from nearby. “Hi!”