An ever fixed mark: The Honeymooners

Panel 1: Allie's eyes flutter open in soft morning sunlight streaming through strawberry-patterned curtains. She sits up in her bed, stretching her arms overhead, her auburn pigtails catching the light. Her deep blue eyes are bright and alert. She glances toward her treasure chest across the room, visible in the corner, her expression shifting to one of determined purpose.

Panel 2: Allie kneels in front of an open treasure chest overflowing with dress-up clothes. She pushes aside colorful princess and fairy dresses, a doctor's tunic, and a rabbit costume. Her hands pull out a white lacy bridal dress, a play veil, and white plastic shoes. Her face shows quiet determination as she holds the dress up.

Panel 3: Allie stands at the top of the staircase wearing the white lacy bridal dress, play veil attached to her hair, and white plastic heels. She descends carefully, her legs wobbling slightly on the unfamiliar shoes. Below, Jake sits at the kitchen table with a bowl of cereal, a Cheerio frozen halfway to his mouth as he stares up at his sister in shock. Gwen stands in the background, her hand over her mouth.

“Allie: I’m ready for school! Jake Harper: Jeezus…”

Narrator: “Allie was ready for school.”

Panel 4: James Harper kneels in front of Allie at eye level, his face caught between amusement and concern. His hand gently touches her cheek. Allie looks up at him seriously, still wearing the bridal dress and veil. Behind them, Gwen and Jake watch from the kitchen table.

“James Harper: You look beautiful, but we need to talk upstairs, princess.”

Panel 5: James sits on Allie's bed beside her, holding out colorful overalls and a purple t-shirt with tiny rainbows. Allie sniffles, her lower lip trembling as she fidgets with the end of her veil. Her deep blue eyes are glassy with unshed tears. The white bridal dress pools around her on the bed.

“Allie: Why doesn't anyone want me to be married? James Harper: You're only five, sweetheart. Too young for marriage.”

Panel 6: Allie sits in a booster seat in the back of a minivan, now wearing the age-appropriate overalls and rainbow t-shirt, her auburn pigtails neat and tied with pink ribbons. She holds a paper towel with plain waffles and a small bag of strawberries. Jake sits beside her, muttering under his breath with a skeptical expression. Through the minivan window, the road ahead is visible.

Narrator: “The drive to kindergarten felt longer than usual.”

Panel 1: A bright, cheerful kindergarten classroom filled with morning light. Dinosaur toys are lined up on a circle-time rug. A record player sits in the corner playing softly. Alex stands by the rug wearing a plain white t-shirt, corduroy pants, and a navy cardigan sweater. He has brown hair and glasses. His head snaps up as the classroom door opens and morning light pours in.

Narrator: “Alex had been arranging the dinosaurs.”

Panel 2: Allie stands in the doorway wearing her purple t-shirt and colorful overalls, her auburn pigtails bouncing with pink ribbons. Her deep blue eyes are bright as she grins widely and waves. Behind her stand James Harper and Jake Harper, both staring at Alex with measuring expressions. One dinosaur toy lies face-down on the circle-time rug in the foreground.

Panel 3: Allie skips forward and stops half a step away from Alex. She smells of strawberries and crayons. Alex's glasses are pushed up on his nose, his ears flushed red. His breathing is visibly paused. Allie's pigtails brush his cheeks as she leans in. James and Jake remain in the background, with James's arms folding tighter and Jake crunching on cereal.

“Allie: Hi, Alex. I almost wore a wedding dress today. But maybe we can still be married?”

Panel 4: Alex straightens and squares his shoulders. He reaches into his cardigan pocket and pulls out a peach gummy ring, slightly fuzzy from his corduroy pants. He carefully slides the ring onto Allie's ring finger, twisting it gently until it sits properly. His voice wavers as he speaks. Allie's eyes widen with wonder.

“Alex : Absolutely. Forever is forever. With this ring, I thee wed.”

Panel 5: Alex stands up straight and extends his hand toward James Harper, offering a firm handshake the way his parents taught him. His eyes meet James's directly. Allie stands beside him, holding his other hand. Jake stands with arms folded, looking disgusted. James kneels to be at eye level with Alex.

“Alex : Nice to meet you, sir. I'm Alexander Huxley. James Harper: Are you planning to take care of my little girl?”

Panel 6: Alex's hands clench slightly. His glasses slip down his nose. He pushes them back up with visible determination. His voice cracks on the last word but he holds his stare, even as his knees begin to knock together. Behind him, Allie beams, squeezing his hand.

“Alex : Yes, sir. Forever. I'll take care of her until the day I die.”

Panel 1: Alex and Allie walk the last three feet to the circle-time rug together, their hands joined. Allie's fingers are sticky from strawberries. Mrs. Callahan, a kind-faced woman in her forties with shoulder-length light brown hair, sits ready to lead circle time. She blinks at their joined hands but begins singing the good-morning song. James and Jake linger in the back of the room, watching like hawks. Other kindergarten children settle on the rug.

Narrator: “Circle time began.”

Panel 2: Alex sits cross-legged on the rug, Allie plopped beside him, her knees touching his. The peach ring winks on her finger in the classroom light. Their fingers remain braided together. Mrs. Callahan leads the class in singing about the days of the week. Alex leans over toward Allie, his lips moving close to her ear.

“Alex : During recess, I'll push you on the swings. That's our honeymoon. Allie: I'll bring a pudding cup to share.”

Panel 3: Mrs. Callahan claps her hands. Alex and Allie snap apart, their cheeks hot. Allie smooths the curls of one pigtail. Alex straightens his glasses. The class begins clapping in time to a song about a leapfrog. Alex's palm stays open on his knee, an invitation. Allie drops her hand into his like a bird landing.

Panel 4:

“Alex : I like marrying my best friend.”

Panel 5: Mrs. Callahan stops singing and sits back in her chair, smiling at the class. She looks relaxed, welcoming questions. Her hand gestures openly toward the children.

“Mrs. Callahan: Does anyone have any questions?”

Panel 6: Allie's hand shoots straight up, her arm extended high. She looks at Mrs. Callahan expectantly. Alex leans in, equally curious, his ears burning hotter than the felt-board sun visible on the wall behind them. James Harper, still lingering in the back, tenses visibly. Jake's eyes widen.

“Allie: What do people do on honeymoons?”

Panel 1: Mrs. Callahan's mouth opens, closes, and opens again. Her face has turned white as a sheet. She blinks rapidly. In the background, James Harper stops in his tracks and mutters under his breath. Jake's eyes go wide.

Narrator: “The question hung in the air like a thunderclap.”

Panel 2: Mrs. Callahan recovers, her voice becoming syrupy and careful. She sits forward slightly. Some children giggle in the background. Alex's stomach knots visibly—his hand tightens around Allie's.

“Mrs. Callahan: Well, honey, newlyweds usually travel somewhere special. To celebrate their love.”

Panel 3: Allie tilts her head curiously, her pigtails swinging. A couple of children in the background laugh. Alex's throat visibly thickens. He squeezes Allie's fingers as he listens intently.

“Allie: Like the swings?”

Panel 4: Allie leans in close and whispers to Alex. Alex nods back, his throat thick. Mrs. Callahan remains seated, watching them with a mix of concern and resignation. The other children continue singing softly or playing with toys.

“Allie: We can build a beach in the sandbox. Alex : I'll bring the shovel.”

Panel 5: James Harper leans against the back wall of the classroom, exhaling like he is deflating. He closes his eyes briefly. Jake stands next to him, already halfway toward the door, muttering under his breath. Neither father looks pleased.

“Jake Harper: Cooties are real, Dad. Vaccinate me.”

Panel 6: James gives Alex one last measuring look—half warning, half acknowledgment. Alex catches his eye and straightens, his chin up, still holding Allie's sticky hand like it is a lifeline. James gives him a tiny, almost invisible nod before he and Jake turn to leave. The classroom door closes softly behind them.

Panel 1: After circle time, Mrs. Callahan passes out paper leaves for a fall collage. Allie pulls her hand away from Alex's only long enough to grab a glue stick, then immediately reclaims his fingers. Purple glitter smears between their palms as they work. Both children are focused intently on their craft.

“Allie: I'm gonna make us a heart.”

Panel 2: Allie bends over her leaf, her tongue poking out of the corner of her mouth as she works. Her long eyelashes cast little spider shadows under the ceiling lights. Alex watches the curve of her cheek. His chest feels too small for his ribs.

Panel 3: Alex grabs scissors and cuts a lopsided circle, then draws a jagged line through the middle, splitting it in half. He leans in close to Allie's ear, whispering. He glues his cut circle beside her heart on her leaf. Purple glitter bleeds from her leaf to his, their galaxies colliding.

“Alex : This is us. Two halves of the same planet.”

Panel 4: Mrs. Callahan claps her hands and announces, 'Line up for the playground!' Alex springs to his feet, dragging Allie by the hand. They burst through the double doors together. Sunlight hits them like a slap. Other children line up behind them, but Alex and Allie are already moving toward the exit.

“Mrs. Callahan: Line up for the playground!”

Panel 5: Alex pulls Allie over to the swings on the sunny playground. His cheeks are flushed and his heart is pounding visibly. He clears his throat nervously and looks at her. Allie beams as she jumps onto her favorite swing. Alex stands behind her like a sentry.

“Alex : First stop of our honeymoon. Allie: Okay!”

Panel 6: Alex stands behind Allie's swing, his hand resting on the back of her sweater. He leans in and pulls back the chains to give her a head start. Allie leans back, ready to go higher. The playground spreads out behind them in the bright sun.

“Alex : Ready? Allie: Ready!”

Panel 1: Alex pushes Allie on the swing. Her pigtails sway back and forth with the motion. Her eyes are lit up with delight. Sunlight catches the peach ring on her finger as she swings forward. Alex's hand brushes her back to propel her higher.

“Alex : I love you!”

Narrator: “With each push, he celebrated their love.”

Panel 2: Allie responds with delighted giggles, the best sound Alex has ever heard. Her smile is radiant. Alex continues pushing, his face flushed with happiness and effort. Other children play in the background on the playground.

“Allie: I love our honeymoon!”

Panel 3: After several minutes, Alex grips the chains from behind and pulls Allie's swing to a stop. She slows down gradually. Alex leans in close to her ear, his voice low and intimate. Allie's blush is visible even in the bright sunlight.

“Alex : I love you, Allie. I always will.”

Panel 4: Alex kisses Allie's cheek. Allie blushes deeply and laughs. She slides off the swing. They both collapse in the dirt below the swing, laughing. Alex hugs her from behind. Dust swirls around them in the sunlight.

Narrator: “The kiss landed soft and sure.”

Panel 5: Allie looks at Alex, beaming. She takes his hand and pulls him up. They stand together, brushing dirt from their clothes. The sandbox is visible in the distance under a big maple tree with orange-burning leaves.

“Allie: Come on, husband. Let's build a beach.”

Panel 6: Alex and Allie run toward the sandbox in the far corner of the playground, crowned by the big maple tree whose leaves are starting to burn orange. They hold hands as they run. The playground and other children fade into the background.

Narrator: “Their honeymoon was just beginning.”

Panel 1: Alex drops to his knees in the sandbox and starts to claw a trench with both hands, panting. Allie kicks off her shoes, her teal and purple striped socks sagging at the ankles. She kneels opposite Alex. Both children dig with intensity, their fingernails packing with cold, damp sand.

“Alex : Ocean. We need an ocean.”

Panel 2: Allie hums a wedding song off-key as they dig. Alex thinks it is perfect. Every time her knee bumps his, electricity shoots up his leg and nests somewhere behind his belly button. Sand cakes their hands and clothes. The maple tree looms above them, its orange leaves creating dappled shade.

Narrator: “Every bump of her knee felt like lightning.”

Panel 3: They sculpt two lumpy sand chairs side by side and use a twig as a lopsided arch between them. Allie brushes hair from her forehead, leaving a sandy streak. She looks at their creation with satisfaction. Alex glances around to make sure no teachers are looking.

“Allie: There. It's our honeymoon hotel.”

Panel 4: Alex leans in and presses his lips to the dimple in the corner of Allie's mouth. He tastes strawberries and sunblock. Allie's eyes widen in surprise. She freezes for a moment, then giggles so hard that she snorts. A nearby sparrow startles and flies away.

Narrator: “Official honeymoon kiss.”

Panel 5: Allie touches the spot he kissed, wonder shining brighter than all the glitter still glued to their palms. She whispers something to Alex. Alex's cheeks immediately flush. He looks overwhelmed with emotion. He takes her hand, the one wearing his peach ring, and presses his lips against her knuckles.

“Allie: Best honeymoon ever. Alex : My wife.”

Panel 6: Allie leans in and kisses the tip of Alex's nose—quick, lightning fast. Alex's eyes flash open as he gasps, his cheeks immediately flushing bright red. Allie looks at him with a satisfied expression.

“Allie: Now we're really married.”

Panel 1: Alex grabs the straps of Allie's overalls and pulls her in to kiss the tip of her nose. He winks at her. Both children gasp and giggle, their faces flushed. The sandbox and maple tree are visible behind them.

Panel 2: Over the blacktop, Jimmy stands watching them with a snarl on his face. He wears a bright green polo shirt and khaki shorts. His small fists are clenched. He turns away from the sandbox and begins walking toward Mrs. Callahan, who stands supervising the playground near the building.

Narrator: “Jimmy had seen everything.”

Panel 3: Jimmy whines loudly to Mrs. Callahan, pointing back toward the sandbox. Mrs. Callahan's eyes widen. She sighs deeply and begins walking toward Alex and Allie. Her expression is one of resigned duty.

“Jimmy: Mrs. Callahan! Alex and Allie are kissing!”

Panel 4: Mrs. Callahan arrives at the sandbox and looks down at Alex and Allie, who are still sitting close together, holding hands. Her shadow falls across them. She places her hands on her hips, her expression stern but not unkind.

“Mrs. Callahan: Alex and Allie, maybe you two should play separately today.”

Panel 5: Allie immediately grabs Alex's hand and stands up. Alex springs to his feet beside her. Sand cascades off his knees like golden rain. His hand clamps tighter around Allie's, glue-glitter and grit sealing them together. Both children's faces show determination and defiance.

“Allie: No! We're married. We HAVE to be together. It's the law.”

Panel 6: Alex looks directly at Mrs. Callahan, his voice shaking but loud. His glasses slip down his nose. He adjusts them with his free hand while keeping hold of Allie's hand. His small frame straightens with conviction. Jimmy smirks in the background.

“Alex : You can't split up a married couple, Mrs. Callahan. That's against the laws of the universe.”

Panel 1: Jimmy smirks with his arms folded across his chest. He calls out loudly to Mrs. Callahan. Mrs. Callahan's mouth opens and she shakes her head slowly. Alex feels his cheeks blaze but he does not look away from Mrs. Callahan's eyes. Allie's fingers twitch in his with three short squeezes.

“Jimmy: They were smoochin' in the sandbox! Alex : We were just playing. Respectfully.”

Panel 2: Mrs. Callahan walks over to them, her shadow swallowing their sandbox cathedral. She kneels so her eyes are level with theirs. Her expression is gentle but firm. She places her hands on her knees as she speaks.

“Mrs. Callahan: I know you two are best friends. But school rules say no kissing. You can play together—just no more weddings today, okay?”

Panel 3: Alex swallows hard. The word 'friends' lands like a cold, flat stone in his stomach. He looks at Allie and notices her lower lip trembling. Both children's faces show disappointment and resignation. Alex's grip on her hand tightens slightly.

“Alex : Okay. But we're still sitting together at snack time.”

Panel 4: Mrs. Callahan sighs, half-smiling. She stands up and brushes sand from her skirt. Jimmy sticks his tongue out in the background, but Alex ignores him completely. He turns to Allie and squeezes her hand three times deliberately.

“Mrs. Callahan: Deal.”

Panel 5: Allie squeezes back three times in response, her eyes locked on Alex's. Their hands remain clasped. The playground spreads out around them. In the distance, the school building is visible.

Narrator: “Their secret code for I love you.”

Panel 6: Alex and Allie walk hand in hand across the playground, away from Mrs. Callahan, Jimmy, and everyone else. They walk like royalty past Jimmy's glare. The playground behind them shows other children playing. The school building looms ahead.

Narrator: “They marched on, undeterred.”

Panel 1: Alex and Allie sit on benches together at snack time, away from Mrs. Callahan, Jimmy, and everyone else. Alex leans in and whispers to Allie. A chocolate pudding cup and graham crackers sit on the table in front of them. Their knees are touching under the table.

“Alex : After snack, let's hide under the story time quilt. Like a tent. I'll bring the graham crackers.”

Panel 2: Allie giggles into her palm, the sound warming Alex better than sunlight. He traces a tiny star on the inside of her wrist with his finger. Allie's face lights up with wonder. In the background, Mrs. Callahan is busy opening milk cartons for other children. Jimmy glares at them from across the table.

“Allie: A…star…”

Panel 3: Alex nods so hard his glasses slip. The bell rings for snack time to end. Alex and Allie march hand in hand toward the story time quilt, which hangs from a tall counter covering a small storage space beneath. Their fingers remain interlaced. Jimmy watches them with crossed arms and a scowl.

Narrator: “The bell rang. They moved as one.”

Panel 4: Alex and Allie slip under the colorful story time quilt into the small cubby space beneath. The quilt drapes down around them like a tent, creating a private world. They sit close together, facing each other. Dappled light filters through the quilt fabric.

“Alex : I love you, Mrs. Huxley.”

Panel 5: Allie's face shows wonder as she tries out the new name. She whispers it softly, testing how it sounds. Alex sits up straighter, his expression serious and sincere. Both children are hidden from the rest of the classroom by the quilt.

“Allie: Huxley? Is that your last name? Alexandria Huxley…I like it.”

Panel 6: Alex's heart echoes in the small space. He leans his forehead so it rests against Allie's. Their eyes are inches apart. Both children's faces show contentment and belonging. Outside the quilt, the classroom continues but feels distant and unimportant.

“Alex : Someday it can be yours for real. Happy honeymoon, wife.”

Panel 1: Alex and Allie sit close together under the colorful story time quilt, their foreheads nearly touching in the dim, dappled light filtering through the fabric. Their small hands are clasped between them. The quilt drapes around them like a protective tent, creating a private world. Outside the quilt, the classroom is visible but distant and blurred. Allie's auburn pigtails frame her face. Alex's glasses catch a glimmer of light.

Panel 2: The quilt suddenly yanks upward. Jimmy stands above them, his small fists triumphant, holding the edge of the quilt. His face is twisted in a sneer. Alex and Allie blink in the sudden classroom light, their private world shattered. Mrs. Callahan stands in the background, her hand over her mouth in exasperation. Other children turn to look.

“Jimmy: Mrs. Callahan!”

Panel 3: Allie scrambles out of the cubby space and stands facing Jimmy, her hands planted on her hips. Her lower lip trembles with anger. Alex climbs out behind her, his fists clenched at his sides. Jimmy's expression shifts from triumph to uncertainty as he faces Allie's fury. Mrs. Callahan begins walking toward them.

“Allie: Jimmy! Leave us alone. We're married. Jimmy: No fair. I want to marry you too, Allie!”

Panel 4: Jimmy grabs Allie by both shoulders, his small fingers gripping her overalls straps. He leans in with his lips puckered. Allie's face contorts in disgust and she pulls away sharply. Alex's entire body goes rigid with rage, his small face flushed crimson.

“Allie: Ew, gross! Jimmy!”

Panel 5: Alex lunges forward and shoves Jimmy with both hands, his face contorted with protective rage. Jimmy stumbles backward and falls hard on his rear end, the wind knocked from his lungs. His eyes widen in shock. Allie's hand immediately reaches for Alex's shoulder.

“Alex : Don't touch my wife!”

Panel 6: Jimmy lies on his rear on the classroom floor, his mouth open in an anguished wail. His face is red. Mrs. Callahan rushes over, her expression shifting from disbelief to stern authority. Alex stands with his arm around Allie's shoulders, both children facing Mrs. Callahan defiantly. Other children stare in stunned silence.

“Jimmy: Mrs. Callahan! Alex pushed me!”

Narrator: “What happened here?”

Panel 1: Mrs. Callahan stands with her hands on her hips, looking down at the three children with an expression of exhausted authority. Alex's jaw is clenched, his glasses slightly askew. Allie's chin juts out stubbornly. Jimmy sits on the floor, still whimpering, his green polo shirt dusty.

“Mrs. Callahan: What happened? Alex, sweetie, she isn't your real wife. You can't push anyone here.”

Panel 2: Jimmy stands up, brushing dust from his shorts, his face still red with indignation. He points accusingly at Alex and Allie. His mouth is open mid-complaint. Mrs. Callahan raises her hand, signaling him to stop.

“Jimmy: No kissing! Tell them, Mrs. Callahan, no kissing! Mrs. Callahan: Quiet, Jimmy. I don't need your help.”

Panel 3: Mrs. Callahan kneels in front of Alex and Allie, her eyes level with theirs. Her expression is firm but not unkind. She places her hands on her knees. Alex's small frame trembles slightly with suppressed emotion. Allie's lower lip quivers.

“Mrs. Callahan: Alex, you still pushed Jimmy, so you need timeout. Go sit in the corner.”

Panel 4: Alex slowly walks toward the timeout chair in the corner, his shoulders hunched, his head down. His small feet drag slightly across the carpet. Behind him, Allie instinctively starts to follow, her face showing panic at the separation. Mrs. Callahan gently places a hand on Allie's shoulder, stopping her.

“Allie: My husband. Where he goes, I go.”

Panel 5: Allie stands facing Mrs. Callahan, her small fists clenched at her sides. Her voice is small but steady, her deep blue eyes unwavering. She wears her colorful overalls and purple t-shirt. Mrs. Callahan's eyebrows rise in surprise.

“Allie: We're a team. Teams sit together.”

Panel 6: Alex sits in the timeout chair facing the corner, his body rigid. His glasses reflect the blank wall in front of him. He turns around slightly to look back at Allie, his hazel eyes filled with longing and worry. The chair is positioned at the far end of the classroom near the window.

“Alex : She's my wife. Wives don't leave husbands alone.”

Narrator: “Thirty minutes felt like forever without her.”

Panel 1: Mrs. Callahan stands with her arms crossed, looking at Allie with an expression of exasperation mixed with resignation. Behind her, Jimmy smirks with satisfaction. Other children whisper and giggle. Allie's face shows determination, her jaw set.

“Mrs. Callahan: Allie, you didn't do anything wrong to get timeout. This is Alex's punishment.”

Panel 2: Allie's expression shifts to one of calculated determination. She glances at Jimmy, who sticks his tongue out at her mockingly. Her small body tenses like a coiled spring.

Panel 3: Allie shoves Jimmy with both hands. He falls backward onto the floor with a loud yelp, his eyes wide with shock. His arms windmill as he lands hard on his rear. The classroom goes silent. Alex's head whips around from the timeout chair, his eyes widening with admiration and surprise.

“Jimmy: Ow!”

Panel 4: Mrs. Callahan's mouth opens in shock. She stares at Allie, clearly not expecting the sweet, well-behaved kindergartener to actually push another child. Allie stands with her hands on her hips, her chin lifted high, her deep blue eyes defiant. She looks proud of herself.

“Mrs. Callahan: Alexandria!”

Panel 5: Allie approaches Mrs. Callahan, her small face serious and expectant. She holds her head high as though she has earned a reward. Behind her, Jimmy sits on the floor, nursing his wounded pride. Alex grins from the timeout chair.

“Allie: Okay, I'm on timeout too now, right?”

Panel 6: Mrs. Callahan's mouth opens, closes, and opens again. She looks at Allie the way adults look at rain clouds—half annoyed, half worried. After a long moment, she lets out a deep sigh of resignation.

“Mrs. Callahan: Fine. You can sit with Alex. But no talking, no giggling, no kissing.”

Panel 1: Alex's legs are numb from kneeling, but he refuses to shift positions. He traces the tiniest infinity symbol on the inside of Allie's wrist with his thumb, slow as a planet turning. Allie's mouth is softly curved, smiling as though she is solving a jigsaw puzzle. Her long eyelashes cast tiny shadows on her cheeks.

Panel 2: Alex steals one more look at Allie, memorizing every eyelash, every freckle, every detail of her face. He wants to fold this moment into a paper crane and keep it in his pocket forever. The sunlight creeping through the window warms their joined hands.

Narrator: “Thirty minutes is nothing. Thirty million would be too soon to let go.”

Panel 3: Mrs. Callahan clears her throat and announces that their thirty minutes are up. She claps her hands sharply. Alex and Allie remain motionless on the chair for a moment, reluctant to break their connection. Slowly, they stand up, their hips still touching.

“Mrs. Callahan: Time's up. Clean up for lunch, everyone.”

Panel 4: Allie's pinky slips free from Alex's. Her peach ring leaves sticky residue on his skin. They stand up slowly, their hips still touching as they walk toward the bathroom line. Allie whispers something to Alex. His eyes widen and he nods briskly, his glasses starting to slip down his nose.

“Allie: See you at lunch, husband. Alex : Always, wife.”

Panel 5: Alex and Allie sit on benches together at the lunch table, their knees locked under the table. Alex pulls out a plastic knife and carefully cuts the crusts off Allie's sandwich, sculpting it into a heart shape. Allie watches with admiration, her cheeks flushed. Mrs. Callahan is busy at the other end of the table.

“Allie: You always know exactly what I need.”

Panel 6: Allie opens her chocolate pudding cup and licks the foil lid clean. She slides the cup between them. Alex wraps his lips around the spoon she offers him and hums in response. Jimmy glares from across the table, his arms folded. Allie sticks her tongue out at him while Alex pretends not to notice.

“Allie: Shared dessert. Marriage rule.”

Panel 1: After lunch, Allie stands in front of her cubby, carefully putting her lunchbox on the shelf. Alex appears behind her, his expression serious and determined. He places his hand on her shoulder. Allie turns to face him.

“Alex : I want to sleep with you. Married couples sleep together.”

Panel 2: Mrs. Callahan, who overheard, chokes on her own spit. She coughs and sputters, her face turning red. Her hand flies to her throat. Other children turn to look. Alex stands firm, his chin lifted.

“Mrs. Callahan: Alexander, no. You have to keep your cots apart.”

Panel 3: Alex is already pushing his cot against Allie's. He moves with determination, his small muscles straining. Mrs. Callahan stands nearby, shaking her head in exasperation. Allie retrieves her blanket and grabs Alex's hand. Other children watch with curiosity and amusement.

“Alex : Why? My parents sleep in the same bed. Grown-ups who are married sleep together. Why can't kids?”

Panel 4: Mrs. Callahan rubs her temples and groans. She watches as Alex yanks his blanket over both of them like a tent, creating a small cave. Allie's auburn hair smells like graham crackers and sunshine. Alex breathes it in until he feels slightly dizzy. His arm wraps around her tiny waist. Allie snuggles in, her nose close to his collarbone.

“Mrs. Callahan: You're not married. Allie: Yes, we are! We had our honeymoon at recess.”

Panel 5: Inside the blanket-cave, Alex whispers against Allie's forehead. His voice is raw and honest for a five-year-old. Allie's fist curls in his shirt, claiming the fabric. She doesn't want him to go anywhere. The peach ring on her finger is gooey but still intact, their sticky little planet.

“Alex : Mrs. Huxley, I'll love you past recess, past summer, past the stars.”

Panel 6: Mrs. Callahan's shoes squeak as she approaches. Her shadow looms above them, a big adult eclipse. She places her hands on her hips. Her voice is firm and final. Alex and Allie freeze, breathing through their mouths so the blanket won't move.

“Mrs. Callahan: Alexander. Alexandria. Blankets off. Cots apart. Last warning.”

Panel 1: Alex and Allie emerge from under the blanket, reluctant and slow. Allie's lower lip trembles. Mrs. Callahan physically picks up Allie's cot and carries it to the opposite side of the room, setting it down with a decisive thud. Allie watches helplessly as the distance between them grows.

Panel 2: Allie reluctantly slides into her cot across the room, her auburn pigtails spread over her pillow. Alex lies on his cot, his small body rigid with distress. He sits up momentarily to look at her from across the aisle. He can see her little lower lip trembling.

Panel 3: Alex poutes on his cot, his small hands curled into fists. He imagines himself as a superhero who could fly, so he could pick her up and take her anywhere in the world, away from rules and grown-ups who don't understand. He promises the dark that one day he will give her a ring that won't melt or fade, but will keep them glued together forever.

Narrator: “One day, I'll give her a ring made of platinum. With forever carved inside so tiny only microscopes and love can read it.”

Panel 4: Alex slides his hand under his pillow and pulls out a crayon stub he found earlier. He presses the tip on the linoleum floor behind him, hidden from Mrs. Callahan's view. In shaky, kindergarten-big letters, he writes: 'A.R.H + A.R.H 4ever.' The letters are wobbly but deliberate, as though he is carving runes into stone.

Panel 5: The entire kindergarten class is asleep. Allie's eyes flutter closed as she drifts off into dreamland. Her face is peaceful at first. Then her expression shifts—her brow furrows, her mouth opens slightly. In her dream, she is running through a field picking daisies. Suddenly, the dream takes a dark turn. An evil presence like a monster without a face begins to chase her.

Narrator: “In her dream, she was running. Running from something faceless and terrible.”

Panel 6: Allie wakes up screaming and sobbing, her small body shaking violently in her cot. Her face is red, her fists clenched in her blanket. Tears stream down her cheeks. Mrs. Callahan rushes over immediately. Other children jolt awake and stare. Alex is already half-awake, his eyes snapping open at the sound of her scream.

“Allie: No! No! Help me!”

Narrator: “The nightmare came like a monster with no face.”

Panel 1: Alex throws his puppy blanket aside and lunges from his cot toward Allie. He moves like his heart is a drum hammering in his teeth. Mrs. Callahan is already crouched beside Allie's cot, rubbing her back. Allie's whole body is shaking, her eyes wide and unseeing, still stuck in the nightmare. Alex freezes two feet away, his hands out like he is reaching for something he isn't allowed to touch.

“Mrs. Callahan: Sweetheart, it was just a dream.”

Panel 2: Alex drops to his knees beside Allie's cot. His voice cracks like a cheap pencil as he whispers her name. Allie's breathing hitches—she is surfacing from deep water and he is the rope. Her wild eyes flick to him. For a second, they are still lost and terrified, but then they lock on him and something in her shoulders loosens. She lunges toward him, her arms around his neck so tight that he nearly topples backward.

“Alex : Allie. Hey, sweetheart. You're here. You're safe.”

Panel 3: Alex adjusts his kneeling position to brace himself and hold Allie as she buries her face into the collar of his white t-shirt. Hot tears soak through the cotton. Alex cups one hand on the back of her head, his fingers threading through sleep-tangled auburn curls. The other arm bands across her back, anchoring her to him as though he could shield her from dream monsters. His small body radiates protective strength.

“Alex : I've got you. You're safe. Nothing's gonna get past me.”

Panel 4: Allie trembles, hiccupping sobs against Alex's throat. Alex feels every one like a bruise. Mrs. Callahan hovers nearby, uncertain, but Alex refuses to look up. His whole world is the soft weight of Allie in his arms. He presses his lips to her ear and softly sings a song that he makes up on the spot, his voice wavering but steady.

“Alex : I loved you first, I love you last, I love you still when the world goes black.”

Panel 5: Allie sniffs and lifts her face an inch from his shoulder. Her lashes are spiked with tears, her cheeks flushed fever-pink. Her voice is tiny and broken. Alex wipes her cheek with the sleeve that isn't damp yet. He leans in close so only she can hear.

“Allie: It had no face. It kept getting bigger. I couldn't run fast enough. Alex : Monsters hate names. If we name it, it shrinks. Let's call it Mr. Stinky Cheese.”

Panel 6: A small laugh escapes Allie—almost a hiccup. She buries her face back against Alex's neck, quieter than before. She lets out a shaky sigh. Alex rocks her gently, just a tiny swaying movement, the way his mother used to when thunder scared him. Mrs. Callahan sighs and drapes Allie's blanket around both of them, tucking it in so they are under one small, warm tent. She steps back, allowing them this moment.

“Allie: Stay. Don't go. Alex : I'm not going anywhere. I'll orbit you forever.”

Panel 1: Allie's sobs continue to quiet into little sniffles, her ear pressed against Alex's chest. His heartbeat is fast beneath her ear, but steady. She breathes him in—soap, chocolate pudding, and something uniquely Alex. The last shreds of the faceless monster dissolve as she is comforted in his arms. She pulls back just enough to see his face. His hazel eyes are huge and glassy with worry, but there is a fierce line to his mouth that makes her feel like he is wrapped in armor.

Panel 2: Allie wipes her sleeve across her nose, embarrassed, but Alex doesn't flinch. He only watches her as though she is the only child in the room. His fingers keep moving without permission, stroking the baby curls at the nape of her neck. His legs are beginning to tingle from the way he is kneeling, the prickly sensation of pins and needles, but he doesn't care.

“Allie: I'm sorry I scared everyone. Alex : You didn't scare me. You just made my heart run fast to get here.”

Panel 3: Allie rests her head on his shoulder. Her voice is tiny. Alex leans his cheek against the crown of her head, breathing in her strawberry shampoo. He could feel his arm going numb, creeping past his elbow, but he refuses to move. He shifts just enough to ease the cramp in his shoulder without waking her, and he settles his chin on the crown of her head.

“Allie: Thank you, Alex. Alex : You never gotta thank me. That's what Orion does—flies across the whole sky to stand guard.”

Panel 4: Allie's hand uncurls from his shirt and slides down until her pinky hooks with his. He gives her hooked finger the tiniest hug, a promise rather than a pull. Her breathing slows, heavier each time, and he realizes she is drifting toward sleep. He shifts so his arm slides around her back, his palm flat between her shoulder blades, holding her like a secret.

“Alex : Hey. You're still here. That's the only thing that matters.”

Panel 5: Alex closes his eyes and tries to memorize the feel of her soft weight in his arms. He loves that he has become her source of comfort and strength, guarding her from scary dreams. He imagines himself as a knight who has just fought a dragon and is comforting the exhausted princess. His arm is numb, his legs are numb, but he refuses to move. He stays perfectly still, watching over her sleep.

Narrator: “I would memorize every detail of her face. I would stay here forever if I could.”

Panel 6: Mrs. Callahan slowly turns on the lights and announces that it is snack time. The classroom brightens. Allie leans back and looks at Alex, who gazes at her like she is the most precious thing in the universe. She looks embarrassed about her outburst. Alex smiles gently at her, his expression full of tenderness and devotion.

“Mrs. Callahan: Snack time, everyone. Time to wake up. Alex : Are you okay now? Did I protect you from the monsters?”