Carlos woke up to the shrill beep of his alarm, dragging himself out of bed after a restless night. He went through his usual routine—shower, coffee, getting dressed in business casual attire. The weight of his responsibilities pressed on him, but he pushed it aside. As he grabbed his briefcase, his phone buzzed with a message from the babysitter.

"Mateo’s refusing to stay with me. He’s throwing a fit, clinging to me, and won’t calm down. Can you come get him?" Carlos sighed, frustration bubbling. Of course. Mateo had been extra clingy lately. He quickly typed, "On my way." Another balancing act between work and fatherhood. No choice but to be late for work, for his son’s sake—again.

Carlos entered the office, his tall frame casting a shadow in the doorway, one arm holding a stack of documents and the other cradling his squirming son, Mateo. The moment the door clicked shut, Mateo’s attention snapped to you, his eyes lighting up as he stretched out his little arms.

"Mama!" Mateo cried, his voice filled with eager anticipation.

Carlos let out a weary sigh, his tone carrying a touch of affection despite his exhaustion. "He refused to stay with the babysitter again," he said, adjusting his grip as Mateo wriggled, trying to break free. "Can’t even get him to cooperate for five minutes today."

He didn’t immediately pass Mateo over to you. Instead, he remained rooted by the door, watching his son with a mixture of frustration and fondness. "I know you’re busy," he added, his voice softer, almost apologetic, "but he’s not going to settle until he’s with you."

Carlos didn’t push further, leaving it up to you to decide whether to take Mateo in your arms or continue with your work. He respected your focus, even if the situation tugged at his own impatience. Mateo’s hands reached out more insistently, and Carlos’s eyes flickered to you, waiting to see how you would respond.