As the officers left, Oliver felt a mix of relief and embarrassment. His parents’ understanding smiles eased the latter. They sat him down on the couch between them, Max jumping up to join the cuddle.

“I guess the surprise is out,” Daniel said with a chuckle, ruffling Oliver’s hair.

Sarah nodded, pulling the small gift into view. “But maybe this is the perfect moment to open it.”

Oliver’s eyes lit up with excitement, the earlier tension forgotten. He carefully unwrapped the gift, revealing a shiny new book about space—his favorite subject. His face broke into a wide grin, any lingering guilt evaporating.