The Attention 388 Summary
In “The Attention 388,” five years after their marriage, the story opens with a humorous and chaotic scene as the couple, Ashton and the narrator, are caught in an intimate moment by their young children, Minnie and Mickey. The children’s innocent confusion leads to a series of amusing misunderstandings, particularly when Minnie expresses concern over her father’s affection towards her mother, mistaking it for bullying. This moment is filled with embarrassment for the parents, but it also showcases the children’s love and protectiveness, especially when Minnie offers to defend her mother from what she perceives as harm.
As the tension eases, Ashton attempts to explain the nature of adult relationships to the kids, but his explanation is met with skepticism from Minnie. The conversation shifts to a planned holiday to Sereia Cay, where Ashton initially suggests going alone, but the narrator insists on bringing the children along. This disagreement highlights the couple’s differing perspectives on family and romance, with the narrator emphasizing the importance of including their children in family experiences. Eventually, after a moment of tension, Ashton concedes, and the children are ecstatic about the trip, signaling a moment of unity amidst the couple’s differing views.
The family embarks on their journey, filled with excitement as they fly towards their destination. The children’s enthusiasm is palpable, and their wonder at the beauty of the ocean below creates a sense of anticipation for the adventures that await them on the island. The narrator reflects on the stunning landscape, feeling a mixture of excitement and joy at the prospect of a family vacation that promises to be memorable. This segment captures the essence of family bonding, the innocence of childhood, and the joy of shared experiences, setting the tone for the adventures to come in Sereia Cay.
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**The Attention 388**
**388 Honeymoon: Plus Two**
**Five years later**
“Daddy!”
“Mummy!”
The door swung open with a dramatic flourish, and two tiny whirlwinds burst into the room, their voices ringing out like joyful bells.
Ashton and I, completely taken by surprise, scrambled to regain our composure.
My cheeks burned with embarrassment as I caught a glimpse of our disheveled state in the mirror—a chaotic mess of hair, crumpled clothes, and unmistakable hickeys adorning my neck like badges of an intimate battle.
For a brief, agonizing moment, silence enveloped us, thick and heavy, as we stood frozen in a tableau of shock.
Minnie and Mickey stood there, their eyes wide as saucers, seemingly glued to the spot, taking in the scene with a mix of curiosity and confusion.
Minnie scrunched her little nose, her expression morphing into one of serious concern. “Daddy, are you biting Mummy?”
Mickey, ever the voice of reason, shot her a puzzled look. “What? Biting? He’s clearly kissing her.”
“No, he’s biting!” Minnie insisted, her brows knitting together in determination. “Look, her neck’s all swollen. That must hurt.”
Mickey sighed, rolling his eyes as if imparting wisdom beyond his years. “That just means Daddy was kissing her a bit too hard.”
The man in question, Ashton, stood there, his expression a mixture of annoyance and amusement, an icy glint in his eyes that only I seemed to notice.
Clearing my throat, I hurried to straighten my clothes, forcing a shaky smile as I approached the kids. “Sweethearts, you’re home a little early.”
Minnie’s eyes filled with worry, her little heart clearly troubled. “Mummy, does Daddy bully you like this all the time?”
“Um…” My face felt like it was on fire, and I desperately searched for the right words.
Minnie’s expression shifted to one of impending tears, and before I knew it, she dashed forward, wrapping her tiny arms around my leg with fierce determination. “Mummy, Daddy’s so mean. Let’s leave him. I’ll protect you. I won’t ever let anyone hurt you.”
Behind me, I heard Ashton mutter through clenched teeth, low enough for only me to catch, “Have they not done any basic sex ed in that kindergarten?”
The absurdity of the situation hit me, and I burst into laughter, the tension momentarily lifting.
When Minnie was born, she had clung to Ashton like a little koala, preferring him over me. But as she grew, a shift occurred, and she became more attached to me. It all began on that fateful day when she insisted Ashton wear her beloved princess dress, and he had flatly refused, much to her dismay.
Ashton donned his most serious expression, trying to maintain authority. “Daddy’s not bullying Mummy. Daddy’s loving Mummy.”
Minnie tightened her grip around my leg, her little face a mask of defiance, clearly unconvinced by his words.
With a weary sigh, Ashton rubbed his forehead, clearly at a loss. “This is what love between adults looks like. You’ll understand when you’re older.”
Minnie blinked slowly, processing his words, then turned her gaze to me. “Is that true?”
I nodded, my cheeks still aflame with embarrassment.
We had truly been caught in the act by our innocent children, and I wished I could sink into the floor and disappear.
Minnie frowned, her little brows furrowing in thought, but eventually, she seemed to decide to trust me. She lowered her head slightly and muttered, “Sorry, Daddy. I misunderstood.”
Ashton let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding and ruffled her hair affectionately. “It’s all right. But remember, Daddy loves Mummy very much. I would never hurt her.”
Minnie pondered his words for a moment, then nodded firmly, a bright smile breaking across her face as if the clouds had parted.
Ashton’s face softened. “Now that you’re both here, Daddy has something important to tell you.”
“Huh?” Minnie and Mickey tilted their heads in unison, their curiosity piqued.
Ashton cleared his throat, the weight of the moment palpable. “Mummy and I are going on holiday to Sereia Cay. While we’re away, you two need to behave and listen to Aunt Yvaine and Uncle Cassian. No mischief, understood?”
Before the kids could react, I turned to him sharply, my voice low but firm. “We’re not taking them with us?”
That was not the vision I had conjured when he had mentioned a honeymoon. We had been married for years, yet somehow, we had never embarked on a proper honeymoon—life had always gotten in the way: work commitments, school starting for the kids, and the endless responsibilities of parenthood. When Ashton finally broached the topic, my heart soared with excitement, but I had envisioned a family trip, not a romantic getaway without the kids.
Ashton looked genuinely taken aback, his brows furrowing in confusion. “You mean we should take the kids?”
“Of course.”
“But it’s our honeymoon! Honeymoon means just the couple. Who brings the kids?”
I frowned, my resolve hardening. “No. I can’t just leave the kids at home while we go off enjoying ourselves. I won’t do it.”
Ashton clenched his jaw, clearly reluctant to concede, but I stood my ground. If he didn’t agree to include them, there would be no honeymoon at all. After a moment of tense silence, he relented, his shoulders slumping in defeat. “Fine. We’ll take them.”
His voice suddenly flat, the enthusiasm drained from him.
Yet, Minnie and Mickey were practically glowing, their faces lighting up like fireworks on a summer night.
“Really? We’re going to Sereia Cay? That’s amazing!” Minnie exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over as she chattered away about the beach, the seafood, and the massive aquarium she’d heard about.
Even Mickey, usually more reserved, seemed to share in the joy for once, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
This would mark the first time the four of us would venture so far together, a family adventure that promised to be unforgettable.
***
As we soared through the sky, thick white clouds rolled beneath us like a soft, billowy carpet, and the sky above stretched out in an impossibly vibrant blue, as if it were painted with the brightest of hues.
Minnie and Mickey buzzed with excitement, their little bodies crowding around the porthole, their faces pressed against the glass as they pointed and chattered about the sights below.
After what felt like an eternity of flying—nearly eight hours—the plane began its descent, and the anticipation in the cabin was electric.
“Wow! Daddy, Mummy, look! The sea down there is beautiful!” Minnie squealed, her voice cutting through the drowsiness that had begun to settle over us.
Ashton and I jolted awake at her exuberant exclamation, leaning over to catch a glimpse out the window.
What lay beneath us was nothing short of breathtaking. The ocean stretched endlessly, shimmering in a kaleidoscope of greens and blues, resembling a colossal emerald sparkling in the sunlight. The water danced and sparkled as it kissed the horizon, creating a serene tapestry that seemed to fade into infinity.
In the heart of this watery expanse sat a small island, lush and vibrant, surrounded by the crystal-clear waters that encased it like a precious gem. It was a little paradise, a perfect escape carved out of the sea, and I couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement at the adventures that awaited us there.
Conclusion
As we landed in Sereia Cay, the weight of our earlier misunderstandings faded, replaced by the thrill of new beginnings. The laughter of Minnie and Mickey filled the air, their innocent joy reminding us of the simple pleasures in life. What had initially felt like a chaotic confrontation transformed into a moment of unity, as Ashton and I navigated the complexities of parenthood together. The trip promised not only a chance to reconnect as a couple but also an opportunity to create cherished memories as a family. I realized that our love, though sometimes messy and complicated, was ultimately a source of strength that bound us together, even in the face of misunderstandings.
As we stepped onto the soft sands of the island, hand in hand, I felt a renewed sense of hope and excitement for the journey ahead. The vibrant hues of the ocean mirrored the bright future we could build together, one that embraced both our roles as partners and parents. In that moment, I understood that love could take many forms, and even the most awkward situations could lead to deeper connections. With the sun warming our faces and the sound of waves crashing in the background, I knew this was just the beginning of a beautiful chapter in our lives—one filled with laughter, love, and the promise of adventure as a family.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**
As the family lands in the idyllic Sereia Cay, readers can expect a delightful blend of chaos and charm as Ashton, my beloved husband, and I navigate the challenges of a family vacation. With Minnie and Mickey bursting with excitement, their youthful exuberance will undoubtedly lead to a series of humorous mishaps and unexpected adventures. From sandy beach escapades to playful squabbles over ice cream flavors, the dynamics of our family will be put to the test as we explore this tropical paradise together. Will Ashton finally relax and embrace the chaos, or will his steadfast need for structure clash with the carefree spirit of the island?
Moreover, the chapter promises to delve deeper into the evolving relationship between Ashton and me, as we attempt to carve out moments of intimacy amidst the family frenzy. With the kids in tow, our attempts at romantic dinners and sunset strolls will be hilariously thwarted, prompting both laughter and frustration. As we juggle the responsibilities of parenthood with our desire to reconnect as a couple, readers will be left wondering: can we find a balance between family fun and rekindling our own romance? Prepare for heartwarming moments, comical misunderstandings, and perhaps a few surprises that will challenge our perceptions of love and family in the most enchanting setting imaginable.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
