Mark winced hard when he woke up and turned his face toward the sunlight. He was on the couch with Ruby and June both sleeping on him. That was how the night had ended, too. Theyâd been watching Disney movies and first June had fallen asleep in the crook of his arm and against his chest. Ruby had then whispered he was going to stay up all night and heâd made halfway through Onward before crashing against Markâs shoulder. Mark had intended to finish the movie and take the kids upstairs. Even his husband had offered help, but Mark had been so sure heâd make it that he sat there. Now the television was off and there was a blanket over him and the kids. There was also the smell of breakfast --Â huevos rancheros -- coming from the kitchen. Carefully, Mark laid June onto the couch before he moved Ruby to lean on the throw pillows. Mark stood and covered up his son before lifting toddler June into his arms. He Kept her head against his shoulder and seated her on his arm to hold her against his chest as he supported her back with his free hand. He moved quietly past the dogs who were also laying in the living room with them. He smiled at them and kept going to the foyer to slip on some slippers before he went out to get the paper from the box at the end of the drive. He waved to a neighbor as June began to stir.
