“I guessed it. Three reasons.” He counts on his fingers. “You call me Mini Bear, and you’re the Big Bear. Following me?” I nod, holding back laughter at his seriousness. He continues. “We both like the color red. And because you act like my dad.” I scoop him up in my arms, and he lunges for his cereal bowl, grasping for his spoon that’s just out of reach. “Dad! Put me down. My cereal… it’s getting soggy!” My voice breaks, and I squeeze him tighter, flooding with emotion after hearing him call me dad. “Can’t do it. I love you too much.”
