While Leo is still quietly playing in his room and Dante is working down the hall in his office, I head to the kitchen and make some popcorn—a request I put onto the grocery list I made for Maria a few days ago. I grab the soda from the refrigerator, along with some glasses, and go back to the movie room to finish setting up my special picnic surprise.

Happy with the set-up, I walk down to Leo’s room.

“Leo! I have a surprise for you!” I singsong to him, and he looks at me with a wide smile. “You need to close your eyes and take my hand, okay?” He doesn’t hesitate, grabbing my hand in his, and I can see the joy and excitement on his face.

Holding hands, I lead him out of his room and back down the hall, and take him into the movie room.

“Ta-da! Open your eyes!” I announce, his eyes opening wide at the sight before him. He takes in the room, the rugs and cushions, and the popcorn and sodas. He then spots the Lego movie on the screen, and his smile grows to take up his whole face.

“I thought we could have a movie afternoon!” I say joyfully, knowing that although Dante and Maria love him, they would never have done something like this.

“Come on, let's get comfy.” We make our way to the cushion floor mound I have made with the blankets, which are a staple for me right now as I am always cold. We submerge ourselves in the billowy softness, and I press play as we begin to watch the movie and eat our snacks.

As the movie begins, Leo stretches and grabs the remote to turn it up, wanting the full movie experience. We devour the popcorn and Leo drinks his soda in record time. I am not looking forward to the sugar rush later.

“What the hell is going on?” I hear Dante ask from behind us, and we sit up quickly. He is not angry but certainly surprised, amused almost, looking around the room like he hasn’t seen it before. I follow his gaze; it is like a magical kingdom and not his sleek theatre room it was mere hours ago. Dante struts over to the remote and pauses the film. Obviously, it was too loud and he could hear in in his office

“Daaaad!” Leo says in complaint, and we all stop.

Leo just spoke.

My eyes widen, and I gasp as I gape at Leo. The three of us are still, not quite believing what just happened. I force myself to breathe and a small smile graces my lips as my eyes begin to water.

Leo is still, his eyes wide, a mirror image of his dad.