Mateo's POV

"Honeybunch," I said, trying to soften the nickname I'd always hated. It was a feeble attempt to connect with her and bridge the gap that had grown between us. Luliana glared at me, rolling her eyes. "Umayos ka, kapre. Tigilan mo 'ko sa kaka-honeybunch mo. Mas lalo kang pumapangit," she said, her voice sharp and clipped. It had been days like this, her sharp words like needles piercing my skin. I was so used to her kindness and gentle spirit. Now, this coldness and distance was a knife twisting in my gut. Why? I didn't understand. "Why are you so mean to me?" I whined, pouting, mimicking my dad's pathetic attempts at a peace offering when Mom and him were fighting. It was a horrible, repulsive imitation.

"Tigilan mo ako sa kakanguso mo. Nagmumukha kang pato na gwapo," I smiled secretly and moved closer to hug her, but she glared at me. "W-why? I just want to hug you, why are you looking at me like that?" I nervously said. "Gusto kong kayakap si Levi. Saan ‘yung baby ko?” Levi, she’s looking for our son again. He is now 13 years old. “I am here, ako na lang e hug mo,” I opened my arms for a hug and smiled sweetly, but my smile and arms fell when she started to cry. “W-why wife, why are you crying?” I asked, not knowing what to do. “I want my baby Kyle. Where is my Kyle?” she cried, her voice breaking, her tears cascading down her cheeks. She buried her face in her hands, her entire body trembling with grief. My heart shattered into a million pieces. “O-okay, calm down wife. Tatawagin ko si Levi,” I immediately ran and looked for Levi. Then, I found him in the kitchen eating.

"Get ready after 9 months, Luliana. You will taste my punishment." "Hey, Dad. Are you okay? What's with the run?" he asked when he saw me chasing my breath because of running. "Your mom is looking for you, faster, faster! She is crying!" I told him. He was startled and quickly stood up and ran. I followed him, almost colliding with Levi's back as he abruptly stopped, a tremor running through him. "The fuck, Levi! Why did you stop so suddenly?" I demanded, my voice tight with frustration. I hated that feeling of helplessness, of being unable to control my emotions. "Crying? Why did you two fight?" he asked, confused, as he started walking. "Of course not, I just hugged her and then she cried, then she is looking for you—" I didn't finish my sentence when I realized something. "Why Dad? Why suddenly you stop talking?" he asked. I smiled at him. "Don't you realize something?" I said, smiling like an idiot. "Like what? I don't understand a thing," he said, "Are you really two okay?" he asked, confused. I told him to follow me. "Maybe your mom is pregnant. She has been acting crazy these past few days. Yesterday, she ate a banana with pumpkin," I said, "and she hates seeing me."

"Maybe she is, she is vomiting and she has morning sickness. Remember nung nakaraang araw?" he recounted. I immediately opened the door because we could hear Luliana's cry outside. "Hey, Mom, what's wrong?" Kyle asked, his voice laced with concern, as he approached Luliana, who was weeping softly. Luliana looked up at us, her eyes red-rimmed. "Come here to mommy. Hug mommy. Ang pangit ng Daddy mo," she said, a playful pout softening her features. I fought back a laugh, my heart swelling with love. Luliana was a force of nature, a whirlwind of emotions. I loved her fiercely, with an intensity that often left me breathless. "But Mom, hindi na ako bata," Kyle whined, his face turning red. My wife was looking for Kyle, our son, who was now a teenager. There was a glint of mischief in her eyes. "But mommy wants to hug you," Luliana said, her voice cracking with emotion. I could see the tears welling up in her eyes. I winced. I hated seeing her like this, heartbroken, vulnerable, and longing for her son. "Gwapo ng baby ko, 'di gaya nang isa riyan, mukhang kapre," She rolled her eyes at me. "Honeybunch, Kyle exactly looks like me, so..." I shrugged, but she didn't pay attention to me. I was just laughing at Kyle's face because he was grimacing, but he couldn't do anything.

“I want a hug too,” I said. Still no response. I pouted like a child whose mom didn’t give him candy. “Honeybunch,” she looked at me sharply. I raised my hands in surrender. “Lumabas ka rito, kapre! I want alone time with my baby, ay dalhan mo na lang ako nang banana and mayonnaise,” I sighed. I have to remind myself multiple times that my wife is pregnant, even though I am still not sure. “Right away, Ma’am,” I’m known as a mafia boss. But right now, I’m just a husband, terrified of a pregnant woman. I’m pretty sure I could snap a man’s neck with my bare hands. But facing hormonal Luliana? It might as well be a dragon spitting fire. I took what she wanted and my son too, maybe he is hungry. I knocked three times before entering, only to see my wife sleeping and our son beside her brushing her hair. “Bud, she slept too fast. Anong oras ako lumabas, a minute and she’s sleeping already?” I said incredulously. “Pregnant is pregnant, Dad, but we have to be patient. Mommy’s pregnancy is too sensitive. I hope it’s a girl,” my son said, then, after a beat, added with a sigh, “Yeah, a girl. Because if it’s a boy, I’m going to be stuck with a brother, and those are so annoying.” I snorted with laughter. “It’s true, it’s true. Boys are annoying.” “I know. By the way, where are you going?” I said. “My room kapre—I mean, Dad,” he said, laughing, which made me furrow my brow.

“A what? What did you just call me?” I asked. He walked slowly and when he reached the door, he opened it as if there was no tomorrow. “Nothing, Dad. Bye.” I smiled and slowly walked to my wife and silently lay in our bed. I looked at my wife sleeping peacefully. Nothing changed; she was still pretty. I know I’ve done too much sin, but God gave me this girl, a soft-hearted woman, gorgeous, smart, everything. I can’t afford to lose her. I’ll go crazy if I lose her. “Good evening, kapre,” No one else but my wife. I just woke up, and here she is calling me “kapre” again. “Yeah, good evening, wife.” I don't know how long I slept. “Baba na tayo, food’s ready.” I love this woman. She's adorable when her moods switch fast. “What’s the food?” I asked, trying to sound nonchalant. I knew better than to argue with her. The last time I’d questioned her culinary choices, I’d been served a plate of spaghetti with peanut butter sauce. Not the most appealing combination, but hey, I’d eaten it without complaint. Anything for Luliana. So, I kissed her forehead and feigned an enthusiastic smile. “Kind of seafoods, tapos adobong manok,” she excitedly said, then jumped up and down, making my eyes widen and my heart start racing. “Okay, okay, wife. No need to jump,” I nervously said, then put my arms around her waist. I prayed quietly. “Ay, sorry. I’m just so excited. Let’s go, let’s go! We need to call Kyle, my baby.” Oh yeah, our baby Kyle.

"Go first. Ako na tatawag kay Kyle, careful huh," Then I gave her a peck. She nodded and started walking. We were headed to the kitchen because I had already called Kyle, but when we got to the dining room, my brow furrowed. My wife was asleep, and her food was still untouched. I just slapped my forehead and took a deep breath. I shook my head repeatedly before approaching my wife. My sleepyhead wife is cute. I grabbed my phone and snapped a picture of her. Her face was serene and peaceful. Her hair fanned out across the pillow, soft and silky, a cascade of midnight brown. She looked so vulnerable, so innocent. I wanted to protect her, to shield her from the world. I carefully scooped her into my arms. Her weight was light and comforting against my chest. My wife. My everything. "I'll just take your Mom to the room. You should eat," I told my son. He nodded. I carried my wife bridal style and walked to our room. "I'm going to be crazy if you don’t forgive me and give me a second chance," I said, caressing her cheek as I kissed her, fixed the blanket, and left. “Aren’t you going to the hospital, Dad?” my son asked. “We will tomorrow,” I said. He nodded. “How’s school?” I asked when he was about to eat. He put down his spoon and looked at me. “Still the same, Dad. Annoying. Girls keep asking for my number, lalo na si Shaiera. She’s so loud,” he said annoyingly.

“Of course, we’re handsome. Kaya ganyan talaga,” I said coolly, then smiled widely, making my son laugh. “Of course, Dad, but I am the hotness and handsomeness.” I laughed and patted his shoulder. “Yes, you are. I’ll go upstairs. It’s 11 in the evening, you should sleep.” I bid my bye and did our Dad-to-son thing. I was in the middle of sleep when I felt someone tapping my cheek. “Kapre, wake up,” I heard my wife say. I immediately opened my eyes to check what was happening and saw my wife sitting beside me. “Why, wife? What’s wrong? May masakit ba sa iyo?” I asked, sitting up and fixing her hair. “I want strawberry, kapre,” she said cutely. “There’s no way I can find strawberry at this hour,” I said, making her smile fade. “But gusto ko ng strawberry. Gusto ko ng strawberry,” she said, starting to cry, which made me panic. “Okay, okay. Hahanap ako ng strawberry. Don’t cry, wife. I will find strawberry,” I said soothingly. I kissed her forehead and said goodbye to change clothes. While changing my clothes, I saw my wife watching me. I walked near her and sat beside her. “What else does my wife want?” I asked.

"Strawberry lang, hubby. Ingat ka, ha?" she said and kissed my cheek, making me smile. "I will. Go to bed and sleep. I will wake you up once I am here and your strawberry," She nodded. I just patted her head and stood up. I had only taken four steps when I heard her sniffling and mumbling. "Aalis ka na? I-iwan mo na ako rito? Hindi mo na ba ako mahal?” she said dramatically and started crying. I bit my lip to hold back a smile. “I thought you wanted a strawberry or strawberry cake?” I said, confused. She wiped her tears and stood to walk near me. “Oo nga pala. Ingat ka, hubby ko!” She then kissed my neck. It's 3 in the morning, and still, I can’t find strawberries. I went to Chessa Bakeshop to check if they had a strawberry cake, and thank god they did, so I bought three cakes and went home. I took the strawberries and washed them. I put the cake in the refrigerator. I went upstairs to give my wife what she wanted. I just smiled because she was still asleep. I approached her to wake her up. “Wife, wake up. Your strawberry is here.” I tapped her cheek multiple times. She even threw her pillow at my face. I did that several times before she woke up. She sat up and excitedly sat beside me, holding out her hand, which made me laugh. “Give me my strawberry, Daddy,” She moved her fingers. I chuckled and then gave her the strawberry. “Thank you!” She kissed me again.

“Welcome, my wife. I’m just going to the bathroom,” She nodded. I kissed her before I went to the bathroom for a shower. I stopped drying my hair and gaped when I saw my wife asleep, and the strawberry looked untouched. I almost searched the entire Manila just to find a strawberry, and she didn’t even touch it. I sighed, my shoulders slumping. ‘Pregnant,’ I reminded myself for the hundredth time. It was still hard to believe, this chance in my life, this sudden explosion of responsibility. I was a dangerous man, a ruthless gangster, but now I was a husband, a father, and soon... a father again. I went to her, kissed her on the forehead, lay down beside her, hugged her tightly, and fell asleep.

~~~

While I was in a deep sleep, I heard my wife's giggle while kissing me on the face. “Kapre, gising na. It’s 3 in the afternoon,” I still wanted to sleep, but she bit my shoulder, making me open my eyes and shout in pain. “What the fuck!” I shouted in awe but immediately looked at my wife when I heard her little sobs. “Bakit mo ako sinisigawan? Hindi mo na ako mahal?!” She then sobbed loudly. My eyes grew bigger. I went to her and hugged her. “O-of course not. I love you. I’m sorry for shouting. I was shocked.” I kissed her forehead. “Mahal kita. Tahan na, wife. I’m sorry.” Oh god, I still want to live. Please give me a long patience. “Talaga? Mahal mo ako? Wala kang babae?” she asked. I nodded. “Of course, I do love you. You are my wife and my everything,” I told her, making her stop crying. She wiped her tears and sat up straight. “Okay. Gusto ko ng maraming violet na cheese and sampung kamukha ni Levi,” She wants… what?

"Gusto mo nang what?"

Violet cheese and 10 look-alikes of Levi? Where the hell can I find Levi look-alikes?! The hell, we just made love, made him, and waited for 9 months. Maybe we can make a new one, but we have to wait again? "Love, that's impossible," I told her, and she looked at me with her teary eyes. "Pero 'yon ang gusto ko," I don't know what to do! Fuck! "O-okay, I will call Nanay Lori for help. Just please don't cry, wife." I immediately grabbed my phone and contacted Nanay Lori. After three rings, she finally answered. "Bakit, ijo?" Nanay Lori responded when she answered the phone. "Nay, can you help me po? I don't know what to do. My wife wants a violet cheese and sampung kamukha ni Levi. I'm nearly dying, Nanay." I massaged my nape. "Grabing pag lilihi naman 'yan anak. Walang pagkukuhanan ng ganyan, lalo na ang cheese na violet. Pero bawal humindi sa gusto ng buntis. Kailangan maibigay agad iyon." See, Nanay Lori knows too. It's hard to find that thing. "But how can I give her that, Nanay? If there is no violet cheese and Levi's look-alikes?" I feel like I wanted to cry. "Coloring food, ijo. Yung sa kamukha ng apo kong gwapo. Wala ng ibang paraan dun." I just nodded and ended the call. I looked at my wife who was busy watching that girl with short hair, who always had a bag and was asking for help, pointing at whatever thing it was.

“Wife, do you want anything else?” I asked. “Ayaw ko na pala ng cheese. Labas na lang tayo. Gusto ko pumunta ng Canada,” she said, making my mouth gape open. “Canada? You want to go to Canada right now?” I said with an unbelievable look. “Oo. Gusto ko kumain ng snow,” she announced, her eyes shining with excitement. I’d be trying to explain to her about the practicality of a private jet, but she wasn’t having it. She wanted snow, and she wanted it now. “O-okay. I will tell Mom to fix your things.” I walked out of the room and took out my phone to call Mom. She didn’t answer the phone, so I called Dad using Messenger. I don’t know how to use this thing, fuck. “What is it, Mateo?” Dad asked. “Where is Mom?” I asked too. “Sleeping. She is tired. You look pale, Mateo. What’s the problem there?” Do I look pale? “Is our private jet available?” I asked in a hurry. “Why in a hurry? Yes, it is available. Where are you going?” he asked. I heard a door close and then open. Maybe he would go to their room and wake Mom up.

"Mom, wake up. I think Mateo needs your help," I heard my Mom groan. "What kind of help?" my Mom asked in a sleepy tone. “Here, talk to him,” Dad said. I turned off the camera and put my phone to my ear. “Hello, Mateo,” She didn’t beat around the bush and got straight to the point. “My wife wants to go to Canada and eat snow. I think I am going to die, Mom. Her cravings are making me crazy,” I said with a frustrated tone. “It’s just cravings. Perhaps, she is pregnant. Just give her what she wants.” I think she was still sleepy because she didn’t get it. I was about to talk when I heard her shout. “WHAT CRAVINGS?!” Mom shouted. Because of the shout, I pulled my phone away from my ear. “Mom, can you please stop shouting? You are hurting my ears,” I said annoyed. “Is she pregnant?” she asked. “I think yes. She ate crazy foods. She also hates me, and she had crazy cravings.” I massaged my nape and sat down. “Omy god! She is pregnant. Go to Canada now.” I heard something fall. “Calm down, Majika,” Dad scolded. “We’re having apo again!” she said happily. Out of a sudden, she ended the call. I was about to turn off my phone when my phone vibrated, one after another message from my relatives. Of course, Mom told them Luliana was pregnant. I didn’t know we had a group chat. I usually don’t use that Facebook thingy, but my wife makes me too.

Majika Montevallo: I have news, this is exciting!

Kristine Montefalco: What is it?

Alicia Montefalco: What is it Tita?

Lorelie Cartier: Ano yon Sister?

Kyle Montevallo: I didn't know we have GC.

Majika Montevallo: Luliana's pregnant.

Alicia Montefalco: Is it true????

Kristine Montefalco: Where did you get that news?

Majika Montevallo: Mateo called earlier, Luliana was craving snow and wants to go to Canada.

"What the hell," I whispered to myself while reading their messages. I almost threw my phone when I heard my wife shout my name from inside our room. "Mateo Javier Montevallo!!!" she shouted. I immediately came into our room. “Why?” I asked nervously. “Bakit ang tagal mo? Akala ko aalis tayo ngayon?! Gusto ko ng snow!” she said irritably. I'm not afraid of anyone, but my wife? I'm a goner. “We’re going to the airport. Brian is waiting for us,” Brian is our pilot, he’s the one who will drive our private jet. I can’t refuse. My wife is pregnant. What she wants, she gets. We were on our way to Canada. In just a few hours, we’d stay at my friend’s hotel. We arrived in Canada, and it was already 9 in the morning. “We have to rest first, Wife. We just arrived. Later, you will eat snow, and after that, we will go to the OB,” I told her. She pouted and nodded. She lay on our bed. I kissed her forehead and lay beside her, combing her hair. Just a minute later, she was asleep.

I was sleeping when I felt someone kissing me. Of course, it was my pregnant wife; as if I would let other women kiss or touch me. It’s 2 p.m. I decided to cook for us. I will cook pancakes because that’s the only dish I know how to cook without burning the kitchen. “Wife, come here and eat first,” She was watching that yellow sponge. I don’t know what cartoon that is. I only know Dora because of Alicia. “Akala ko kakain tayo ng snow,” she said and stamped her feet. “Later, wife. Come here and eat first so you can eat snow,” I said and tapped the chair beside me. I love this woman. She’s so energetic. “Bilisan mo mag jacket,” she excitedly said and helped me wear my jacket. “Let’s go,” I encircled my arms around her waist. She clapped her hands like a child. I was just watching her eat snow. I told her to eat the snow that was under the top layer. “Hubby, we don’t need to go to the OB. I am 8 weeks pregnant. I was planning to surprise all of you, but my cravings are making it obvious,” she said. I was about to start the engine when she spoke up. “I know, but I want to make sure that you are pregnant,” I said slowly. She smiled and kissed me. “Are we really pregnant?” I asked. She nodded.

"Pa secreto akong pumupunta ng OB" she whispered and showed me the copy of the ultrasound result, I hugged her, cried like a child, and kissed her again and again.

I don't know what to say, is this true we will have our second baby?

I'm not going to leave my wife, I will stay by her side through all her pregnancy struggles.

“Pa-secreto akong pumupunta ng OB,” she whispered, showing me a copy of the ultrasound results. I hugged her, cried like a child, and kissed her again and again. I don’t know what to say. Is this true? We’re going to have our second baby? I'm not going to leave my wife. I will stay by her side through all her pregnancy struggles.

~~~

A hard slap made my eyes fly open, jolting me from my peaceful sleep. “What? Why? Why?” I mumbled, still half asleep, my head spinning. I was met with Luliana’s tear-streaked face, her gaze blazing with anger. Only to see my wife crying while looking at me deadly. My heart sank. What had I done this time? My mind raced, trying to recall any transgression, any indiscretion. I'd been careful. No late nights, no secret calls. I'd been a model husband. My life was completely devoted to Luliana and our children. I am a material husband, standard to be exact. “Why are you crying? And why are you looking at me like that?” I said and moved closer to her, but she pushed me away. “Manloloko ka! Kailan ka pa nambababae ha?!” she shouted, her voice sharp and accusatory. I sat up, trying to process the situation. I was in the middle of a dream, a pleasant dream, and now... this. I reached for her, but she flinched back. “What babae? I don’t have babae, mahal. Where did you get that?” I asked, confusion clouding my face. Luliana pulled out her phone and started calling someone. Her anger was palpable, a silent storm brewing in her eyes. Her eyes, usually soft and sparkling, now held a steely glint. I saw the fire in her gaze, the flames of her anger flickering in the depths of her eyes. I hated to see her like this, so angry, so hurt. It was all my fault. But I had no idea what I had done to deserve this. “Mama, may babae si Montevallo,” she started crying loudly again.

“Ano?! Saan mo naman nalaman yan?” Mama Lori answered. “Nanay, I don’t have babae po. I was sleeping, tapos sinampal niya po ako. I swear to Papa God po!” I said loudly so Nanay Lori could hear it. It’s true, I don’t have babae. I have my mom and cousin who are women. Why would I cheat? I have girls in my life. “Saan mo ba nakuhang may babae ang asawa mo anak— ” I winced slightly as my cheek throbbed again. “May babae siya, Ma. I saw it in my dream!” she said, her voice thick with tears. “I saw her sitting on his lap, laughing with him, like they were best friends. And she was so beautiful.” I wanted to laugh, but I knew that arguing with Luliana about dreams would only make things worse. “Jusmiyo ka anak. Kakanood mo ‘yan ng Ika-6 na Utos, at panonood ng drama.” Nanay Lori chuckled, ending the call. I couldn’t help but smile. Luliana’s melodramatic tendencies were a direct result of her soap opera addiction. Sometimes, I wondered if her life was a telenovela, a dramatic saga where the leading man was constantly plagued by jealous women, scheming exes, and a whole lot of soap opera craziness. “Pinagtatawanan mo ako?! Bwiset kang babaero ka!” she shouted and left me. I heard her crying in the bedroom. I just shook my head and followed her. I let out a heavy sigh, stopping myself from laughing. “Dreams can be vivid sometimes. But trust me, honey. I’d never cheat on you.” She was still crying.

“Hey, I told you to stop watching dramas. I don’t have babae, mahal.” I said, turning to face her. Her eyes were swollen, and I badly wanted to laugh, but I was afraid she would get even angrier. “May babae ka! Nakapatong pang a sayo! Bwiset kang babaero ka!” she said, then bit me. “Ouch, mahal, that hurts. I can’t cheat, mahal. You know that. May pamilya rin akong babae and our daughter is also a girl,” I said, making sure she knew that her dream was just a dream. It would never happen. I would never cheat on her. “Sure ka?” she asked. I nodded. “Of course, mahal,” I then kissed her on the forehead.

~~~

"Mommy, Daddy, naka uwi na kami po!" Liliana, our four-year-old daughter, shouted, her voice echoing through the house. She stood at our bedroom door, her bright eyes sparkling with excitement. I opened the door, and she launched herself into my arms, giggling. "Daddy!" she exclaimed, her little arms wrapped tightly around my neck. She loved to be carried around, her tiny limbs a comforting weight against my chest. I gently scooped her up, my heart overflowing with love for my little girl. I don’t know, but Liliana felt uneasy today. She kept looking at her brother, who was smiling at me while his nose was red from crying. Weird. I walked towards Luliana, who was still fast asleep. Kyle trailed behind, holding Liliana's backpack. He is now a teenager, almost a man, but he still had that same mischievous twinkle in his eyes. Liliana’s eyes darted back and forth between Kyle and me, her expression troubled. Luliana stirred from her sleep, her eyes fluttering open. “What’s wrong with you two?” I asked, my voice soft. I could see the confusion in her eyes, and I wanted to soothe her, to make her comfortable. But as I looked at her, I felt a wave of tenderness and love. She was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen, and the most important person in my life.

"Dad, I have kwento, you know Melody has a boyfriend," Kyle said, his voice laced with mischief. I frowned. A boyfriend? At four years old? "Kuya, I don't have a boyfriend nga. Friend ko lang si Francis," she said in a small voice. Francis? “Francis? Anak ni Tito Francisco niyo?” I asked. Kyle nodded, and my brow furrowed. “Magka-holding hands silang lumabas ng room ni Francis sa school. He even kissed Melody on the cheeks. Tapos si Little Sis, tudo kilig,” Kyle said, smirking at his sister, who was about to cry. “Ano?! Bata pa ang baby ko para ikiss and may ka-holding hands!” she cried, her voice laced with outrage. She rushed towards Liliana, her face a mask of fury. She swept Liliana into her arms, cradling her close. “It’s okay, baby. Don’t listen to your brother. He’s just jealous. You’re too young for boys.” I watched the scene unfold, a silent observer to this whirlwind of maternal protectiveness. Kissed on the cheek? The words hung in the air, sharp and accusing. My blood ran cold. Francisco’s son, kissing my daughter. It was a violation, a breach of trust. I wanted to scream. I wanted to grab Francisco by the throat and shake him until his teeth rattled. But I knew I had to remain calm, for Luliana, for Liliana. I took a deep breath and dialed Francisco's number. “You fucker, where is your son?” I said when he answered the phone.

"What's with my son, Mat?" he asked. He knows nothing. "Your son kissed my daughter!" I said angrily. I heard him chuckle. “Anong mali r’on? At least we are kumpare in the future,” he said, laughing. I ended the call in anger. “Liliana, come to Daddy. I won’t get mad, baby. Come here,” I said softly. She came to me, and I knelt down so we were eye to eye. “Listen, you are not yet allowed to have a boyfriend. You’re still Daddy’s baby. Understood?” I said. She nodded and kissed me on the cheek, making me smile. “Sige po Daddy, mag girlfriend na lang po ako,” she beamed, then gave a thumbs-up, her eyes twinkling with mischief. I let out a sigh of resignation. At this rate, I’d have a house full of girlfriends and boyfriends. Kyle, Levi, and Liliana erupted in laughter. Oh, the joys of family life. I just smiled at the laughter that filled the house.