As the car wound its way toward Mannfoxx Paintball Warzone, Belle casually ran through her schedule for the upcoming week with Eli. It wasn't a matter of strict necessity, but rather a reflection of mutual respect—a natural rhythm they've built given that Eli double-dipped as her day-job employer and her partner in life.
From the backseat, Neon and Andrei chimed in, enthusiastically debating the details of their upcoming school field trip. Belle paused, the realization striking her suddenly; she had completely lost track of the calendar.
"I honestly can't believe it's already been half a year since you started at St. Francis Academy," Belle said, turning slightly in her seat to smile at the boys. "It feels like just yesterday Auntie Jojie was filling out your enrollment forms alongside Andrei's."
