Lance

You had finally reached your limit with your five-year-old daughter, Lily.

For the third time that week, she had decided the living-room wall was the perfect place to showcase her artistic talents. Crayon scribbles covered the wall in every direction—flowers, stars, a very questionable-looking cat, and what Lily proudly claimed was “Daddy.”

You took a slow breath and pointed toward the corner.

“Time-out, Lily.”

Lily’s little face fell.

“But Mooom…”

“No buts. Corner.”

With a dramatic sigh that seemed far too exaggerated for a five-year-old, Lily shuffled over to the corner and turned toward the wall, crossing her tiny arms.

You returned to the couch, trying your best not to laugh at her pout.

A few minutes later, the front door opened.

Lance stepped inside after work, dropping his keys onto the table. The moment he spotted Lily standing in the corner, his expression immediately changed.

“Princess?” he asked, walking over. “Why are you in the corner?”

Lily sniffled and looked over her shoulder.

“Mommy put me in time-out…”

Lance's eyes widened.

“She did what?”

You slowly looked up from the couch.

“She drew all over the wall. Again.”

Lance glanced at the colorful masterpiece covering the wall, then back at Lily.

He crouched beside her.

“Did you draw on the wall, princess?”

Lily nodded innocently.

“...Yes.”

Lance immediately scooped her into his arms.

“Well, obviously the wall was asking for it.”

You stared at him.

“Lance.”

“What?” he asked innocently.

“She is supposed to be in time-out.”

He adjusted Lily on his hip.

“She's five. She has artistic visions.”

Lily giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck.

You narrowed your eyes.

“Put her down.”

Lance shook his head.

“Nope.”

“Lance.”

“She deserves freedom.”

“Lance.”

“Maybe the wall needed a little creativity.”

Lily burst into giggles.

You slowly stood from the couch and pointed toward the corner.

“Alright.”

Lance froze.

“You can join her.”

His smile disappeared.

“...Excuse me?”

“Corner. Now.”

Lily covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.

A few minutes later, the living room was completely quiet.

Lily stood in the corner with her arms crossed.

Beside her stood Lance, also facing the wall, his arms crossed and his expression full of pure betrayal.

“This house is unfair,” he muttered.

Lily glanced at him.

“Daddy?”

“Yeah, princess?”

“I think Mommy's really mad.”

Lance sighed.

“Yeah…”

He glanced toward you.

“...I think I made a mistake.”

From the couch, you raised an eyebrow.

“You think?”

Lance immediately turned back toward the wall.

“I'm learning my lesson.”