Trading Post

Chapter 29:   They stepped out of baggage claim and followed the signs toward ground transportation, the energy of the airport shifting from crowded and noisy to something more open—but just as busy.   Jack sat quietly in the stroller now, both arms wrapped tightly around Trike, Flopsy tucked against his side like extra insurance.   Every so often, he’d glance down.   Still there.   Still safe.   Okay…   ⸻   “Rideshare pickup this way,” Marcus said, pointing toward the signs.   Jill nodded, keeping a steady pace beside him. “Let’s get you somewhere comfy,” she said softly to Jack.   Jack looked up at her. “Hotel…?”   “Yep,” she smiled. “Then we rest a little.”   That sounded good.   ⸻   They stopped near the designated pickup area, a covered section with cars pulling in and out every few seconds. People stood with phones in hand, watching for their rides.   Marcus pulled out his phone. “I’ll request it now.”   Jill adjusted the blanket over Jack’s lap, brushing a hand gently over his hair.   “You did really good today,” she said quietly.   Jack leaned into her touch, still a little worn out. “Long day…”   Jill chuckled softly. “Very long day.”   ⸻   Marcus glanced up from his phone. “Driver’s about three minutes out.”   “Perfect,” Jill replied.   Jack watched the cars pulling up, one after another.   “So many…” he murmured.   “Yeah,” Marcus said. “One of them’s ours.”   ⸻   A few minutes later, Marcus checked his phone again. “That’s us—gray SUV.”   He waved slightly as the car pulled up.   The driver stepped out to help with luggage while Marcus moved quickly to load everything in.   Jill lifted Jack from the stroller, holding him close again as the stroller was folded up.   “Alright, in we go,” she said.   Jack clung to her lightly, still holding both plushies.   ⸻   Once everything was packed, they slid into the back seat together—Jack between them again.   The door shut.   The outside noise softened instantly.   “Headed to the hotel?” the driver asked.   “Yes, please,” Marcus replied.   And just like that—   They were moving again.   ⸻   The ride was calmer.   Quieter.   Jack leaned against Jill, his earlier energy completely faded now.   The world outside the window looked different—palm trees, bright signs, wide roads.   “Not home…” Jack murmured sleepily.   Jill smiled, resting her cheek lightly against his head. “Nope. Somewhere new.”   Jack blinked slowly.   “Disney place…” he whispered.   “Close to it,” Marcus said. “Very close.”   ⸻   The car hummed along, sunlight growing brighter as the morning fully settled in.   Jack’s eyes drifted shut for a moment—Then opened again.   He didn’t want to miss anything.   But I’m tired…   He yawned, snuggling deeper into Jill.   ⸻   After a bit, the car slowed, turning into a large, welcoming entrance.   “Here we are,” Marcus said, glancing out.   They had arrived at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.   Colorful buildings, playful designs, and larger-than-life decorations surrounded the area.   Even from the car, it felt different.   Exciting.   Alive.   ⸻   Jack lifted his head slightly, squinting as he looked around.   “Wow…” he whispered.   Jill smiled softly. “This is where we’re staying.”   Marcus added, “Your home for the next few days.”   Jack looked out the window again, eyes a little wider now despite how tired he was.   This place…   ⸻   The car came to a stop.   Marcus stepped out first, stretching slightly before helping with the bags.   Jill carefully lifted Jack, keeping him close.   “We made it,” she said quietly.   Jack rested his head on her shoulder again.   “Made it…” he echoed.   ⸻   And as they stood there, luggage at their feet, a new place all around them—the long journey was finally over.   But the real adventure?   That was just the beginning.   The automatic doors slid open, and a wave of cool, bright air greeted them as they stepped into the lobby of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.   Everything felt… bigger than life.   Color everywhere. Murals stretching across the walls. Playful designs that made the whole place feel like stepping inside a cartoon.   Jack lifted his head from Jill’s shoulder, eyes slowly widening despite how tired he was.   “Whoa…” he whispered.   Jill smiled. “Pretty cool, huh?”   He nodded, still taking it in.   This place feels like a dream…   ⸻   Marcus handled check-in at the front desk while Jill set Jack down for a moment, keeping a gentle hand on his shoulder.   Jack stood there, a little wobbly from the long day, clutching Trike and Flopsy as he turned in a slow circle.   Everywhere he looked—Something new.   Bright characters.   Gigantic decorations.   Families laughing, kids running around excitedly.   “It’s so big…” he murmured.   Jill crouched beside him. “There’s a lot to see. We’ll explore it together.”   ⸻   Marcus came back with the room keys. “We’re all set.”   “Already?” Jill asked.   He grinned. “Perks of getting here early.”   ⸻   They stepped back outside, this time heading deeper into the resort grounds.   And that’s when Jack really saw it.   Huge statues of animated characters towering over walkways. Brightly themed sections that looked like different worlds stitched together.   Jack’s mouth opened slightly.   “Mommy… look…”   Jill followed his gaze and smiled. “I know.”   Marcus chuckled. “You should see it at night.”   Jack tightened his grip on his plushies, eyes darting from one thing to the next.   So much… I wanna see everything…   ⸻   They walked slowly, not rushing.   Past a large, colorful pool where kids were already splashing and laughing.   Jack stopped, watching.   “Water…” he said quietly.   Jill nodded. “We’ll come back later and swim, okay?”   Jack looked at her, hopeful. “Really?”   “Really.”   That was enough to make him smile again.   ⸻   They continued on, passing themed courtyards and oversized props that made Jack look even smaller in comparison.   Marcus pushed the stroller beside them, but Jack insisted on walking—waddling carefully, still a little tired but too curious to sit.   Every few steps, he’d stop.   Point.   Look back at Jill or Marcus like he needed to share it.   “Look!”   “I see!”   “Big!”   “Very big!”   ⸻   Eventually, Marcus checked the room number again. “This way.”   They made their way to their building, the excitement settling slightly into something calmer as reality caught up with Jack’s tired body.   His steps slowed.   His eyes blinked heavier.   Jill noticed immediately.   “Hey,” she said softly, scooping him up again. “You’re running out of steam.”   Jack didn’t argue this time.   He melted into her, resting his head on her shoulder again.   “Tired…” he admitted.   “I know,” she whispered.   ⸻   They reached their room, Marcus unlocking the door and stepping inside first.   “Alright—home base,” he said.   Jill followed, carrying Jack in.   The room was just as vibrant—decorated to match the playful theme of the resort, colorful and welcoming.   Jack peeked around, barely lifting his head.   “Room…” he murmured.   Jill smiled. “Yep. Our room.”   ⸻   Marcus set the bags down while Jill gently laid Jack on the bed.   He curled slightly, still holding both Flopsy and Trike, his eyes barely staying open now.   “Can I sleep…?” he asked softly.   Jill brushed his hair back. “Just a little nap. Then we’ll explore more later.”   Jack nodded faintly.   Best day… but so tired…   ⸻   Within moments, his breathing evened out.   Asleep.   Right there.   Still clutching everything he loved.   ⸻   Jill sat beside him for a second, just watching.   Marcus came up behind her, resting a hand on her shoulder.   “He made it,” he said quietly.   Jill smiled softly.   “He did.”   She looked around the room, then back at Jack.   We made it.   ⸻   Outside, the resort buzzed with excitement, colors, laughter, and adventure waiting around every corner.   Inside—It was quiet.   Peaceful.   A pause before everything began.   And when Jack woke up—Disney would be waiting.  

I may have to go on a road trip. Really craving animal style fries now. Lol

REAL

"Alright, let's see... milk, eggs, bread—the usual suspects. Oh, look at those Honeycrisp apples; they actually look fresh today. I’ll grab a bag of those. Wait, did I remember the list? Of course not. It’s sitting right on the kitchen counter. Okay, winging it. I definitely need coffee. Where did they move the fair trade blend? Every time I get used to the layout, they play musical chairs with the aisles. Ah, there it is, tucked behind the fancy decaf. Pasta night sounds easy. Grab some linguine, a jar of Rao’s—unless the store brand is on sale? No, let’s stick with the good stuff. Now, where’s the parmesan? If I have to walk back to the deli counter, I’m going to lose my mind. Ooh, the bakery smells incredible. Maybe just one baguette? It’s still warm. Yeah, definitely getting the baguette. Okay, checkout time. Please don't let there be a massive line at the self-scan... and of course, there is. Time to play the 'which line moves faster' lottery." "Alright, let's see... milk, eggs, bread—the usual suspects. Oh, look at those Honeycrisp apples; they actually look fresh today. I’ll grab a bag of those. Wait, did I remember the list? Of course not. It’s sitting right on the kitchen counter. Okay, winging it. I definitely need coffee. Where did they move the fair trade blend? Every time I get used to the layout, they play musical chairs with the aisles. Ah, there it is, tucked behind the fancy decaf. Pasta night sounds easy. Grab some linguine, a jar of Rao’s—unless the store brand is on sale? No, let’s stick with the good stuff. Now, where’s the parmesan? If I have to walk back to the deli counter, I’m going to lose my mind. Ooh, the bakery smells incredible. Maybe just one baguette? It’s still warm. Yeah, definitely getting the baguette. Okay, checkout time. Please don't let there be a massive line at the self-scan... and of course, there is. Time to play the 'which line moves faster' lottery."

dad enters the room