FOURTEEN

I was humming along with the fading classic song in the background while chopping the strawberries. Occasionally I paused to glance at Severus who sat on top of the counter with Thor munching his favorite snacks. A smile widely spread across my face. This felt good, this felt normal. It surprised me how something so simple, so mundane such as cooking while having my son sitting on the counter in front of me could bring joy.

I put the chopped strawberries into a bowl and placed the knife on the kitchen isle behind me, far away from Sev’s reach. Even though I knew he wouldn't touch the knife, I wasn’t dumb enough to put sharp objects anywhere near three years old.

“Dad?”

I swallowed. When would I stop doing that, getting nervous all of a sudden just because he called me ‘Dad’. “Yeah?”

“What are you doing with the strawberries?” He placed Thor on the counter, steadying the small action figure so it stood with its two feet, then he leaned in to take a peek at the bowl of strawberries.