Trigger Warning: Gun violence, blood.
***
Still on the way home, Claire suddenly spoke from the back seat.
"Mommy, can we get the cake we had with Jonah and Freya that time?"
Cassidy glanced at her through the rearview mirror. "Cake? You want cake now?"
Claire nodded enthusiastically. "I want the one from that café."
Cassidy didn't answer right away. She thought for a moment before replying, "You already had ice cream yesterday. You know you're not supposed to have sweets every day, right?"
Claire's face fell into a pout. Her lips trembled. "I'll just have one bite. Just one. I'll save the rest for later."
Cassidy's resolve melted instantly. That pout always got her.
She sighed. "Okay, but you have to promise, only one bite."
"I promise, Mommy," Claire said quickly, eyes wide and hopeful.
"Alright," Cassidy gave in, smiling despite herself. "We'll stop by the dessert cafe before heading back to the apartment."
Claire let out a loud cheer from the back seat. "Yay!"
