The weekend sunlight streamed gently through the apartment blinds, painting soft lines across the living room floor. Kyler sat at the dining table, sipping black coffee as the clock ticked toward 8 a.m. His trading dashboard glowed softly in the corner, but he barely glanced at it. Today wasn't about numbers.
"Papa, are we going to the mall?" Hazel's bright voice broke the quiet. She was in her pink dress, her small backpack bouncing as she skipped beside the couch. Nicko followed, clutching a toy car, a determined expression on his little face.
Kyler smiled. "We are. You two ready?"
Hazel nodded rapidly. "Mama said we'll eat ice cream!"
Ashley appeared from the kitchen, hair tied neatly, holding her purse. "And maybe buy shoes for Nicko. He's outgrown the old ones."
Kyler stood, stretching lightly, showing the world he could be tired like anyone else — though he never truly felt fatigue thanks to Everrest. "Alright," he said. "Let's make it a full day out."
---
The mall was alive with chatter and light. Families streamed through glass doors, the scent of fried food and coffee filling the air. Children tugged at their parents, couples strolled lazily past glowing displays, and the air-conditioning wrapped the whole place in a familiar comfort.
Kyler walked beside Ashley, holding Nicko's hand and keeping Hazel close. Ashley's eyes scanned a storefront of children's shoes.
"You sure you're okay splurging a bit today?" she asked softly.
Kyler smiled faintly. "We'll be fine. Promise."
Inside the store, Hazel tried on a pair of glittery sneakers and spun in place. Nicko chose a sturdy pair — dark blue, simple, perfect for his energy. Kyler smiled quietly, watching them. Peaceful, normal, human — it felt almost miraculous.
---
By noon, they sat at a casual restaurant overlooking the atrium. Hazel argued about whose fries were bigger, and Nicko tried to negotiate for more ketchup. Ashley laughed so hard she had to cover her mouth.
Kyler leaned back in his seat, observing. The rhythm of laughter, the warmth of sunlight spilling through glass, the soft music in the background — all of it felt like a shield around them.
Hazel leaned over the table. "Papa, when I grow up, can I work with you?"
Kyler chuckled. "Maybe. But only if you teach me something new too."
Nicko raised a tiny fist. "I'll be stronger than Papa!"
Ashley laughed. "You already are, little man."
Kyler ruffled Nicko's hair gently. Subconsciously, his Reflex Combat Mastery kept him aware of every slight movement, every subtle shift, but he buried it. No one needed to see it.
---
After lunch, they wandered to the arcade. Hazel darted to a game console while Nicko tugged Kyler toward the boxing machine.
"Just one game, Papa!"
Kyler smiled. "Alright. Let's see what you've got."
Nicko hit the pad with all his tiny strength. The counter blinked… 15 points. Hazel clapped enthusiastically. "Wow! That's strong for your age!"
Kyler stepped forward. He lightly tapped the pad with measured force — nothing flashy. The numbers shot to 9999, the machine lighting up in a perfect score.
"Papa, you're amazing!" Hazel exclaimed.
Kyler scratched his neck, laughing lightly. "Ah… must be a calibration thing," he said casually. Perfectly believable, no one suspicious.
Ashley raised an eyebrow. "Sure, calibration," she teased.
Kyler just smiled. "Lucky hit."
They left the arcade, Hazel chatting about her new toy, Nicko bragging about his score. Kyler followed, content to let the world think he was just another dad enjoying the weekend.
---
By sunset, they sat on a bench outside the mall, watching the sky turn gold and crimson. Hazel had fallen asleep on Ashley's shoulder, Nicko curled up beside Kyler, exhausted from running around.
Kyler's eyes softened. The city could chase chaos all it wanted, but here, inside this quiet bubble, nothing could touch them.
He glanced at his phone. The trading app blinked softly — small gains, silent and steady. He locked the screen and smiled faintly.
Step by step. Quietly.
Tomorrow, maybe another skill. Another precaution. But tonight, it was enough just to breathe, to feel human, to live in this fragile, perfect calm.