We came home, and I helped Zion change and freshen up. We ate, and then we did his homework. I sat next to Zion after tucking him in bed, stroked the side of his face, and then bid him good night.

“Sweet dreams, okay?” He nodded, and I leaned in and placed a kiss on his forehead before leaving his room for mine.

I had assignments and projects to grade, and I had to do them tonight as I would turn them in tomorrow.

I entered the bed, wore my glasses, and gathered the papers and books on the nightstand onto my legs. Thirty minutes into my grading, I heard...