Allysa and Robert had been married for twelve years. They lived in a modest home just outside the city—just big enough for them and their two kids, Timmy and Jessie. Robert is a software designer who worked long hours, often taking on extra projects to earn more for his family. Allysa was a part-time nurse who worked whenever Robert was off.

It was the day before Jessie’s eighth birthday. Allysa had booked time off for her daughter’s special day. She bought food for the BBQ, along with drinks, snacks, and a cake. The night prior, she had even decorated the living room and kitchen.

Robert, on the other hand, was still working overtime. He had picked up yet another optional project from his company to bring in extra money.

That night, after Allysa tucked the kids into bed, she peeked into Robert’s office. He was just finishing up his work. She looked around the room—books, records, and trophies lined the shelves. On the other side was his desk, where his guitar rested beside framed photos: their first meeting, their first date, their engagement, their wedding, and their children.

One photo stood out to her—their first date. Robert had taught himself how to play guitar and sang “From the Jump” by James Arthur. That was the moment she fell in love with him.

Allysa walked over and wrapped her arms around him.
“Honey… are you ready for tomorrow’s big day?”

Robert looked confused.
“What big day? What are you talking about?”

Allysa frowned.
“It’s Jessie’s birthday. Come on—it’s your daughter’s birthday. Do you remember?”

The realization hit him.
“Oh… yeah. I completely forgot. I’m so sorry. I also have something planned for one of my projects tomorrow. I’ll see if I can postpone it.”

Allysa’s frustration showed.
“Come on, Robert. You can’t keep doing this to us. I know you’re trying to give us a better life, but the kids need you. Can you please take a break from work and spend time with your family—for once?”

Robert hesitated and sighed.
“I’ll see what I can do.”

That answer only made things worse.
“Ever since we had kids and bought this house, you’ve changed,” Allysa said quietly. “You’re not the person I used to know—the one I fell in love with. Where are the moments we used to celebrate together?”

“I want to,” Robert said, taking her hand. “I really do. But I want to provide for all of you. I want the kids to have the best education, better opportunities—things we didn’t have.”

Allysa shook her head.
“I know you’re thinking about the future. But right now? Tomorrow? Jessie and Timmy just want their dad. They don’t care about money or investments. They care about how you make them feel.”

She picked up a photo from their early days and placed it on his desk beside their family portrait.
“We only get glimpses of you,” she said softly, holding back tears. “But we need all of you. I need all of you.”

She kissed his cheek.
“I’m going to bed. Please get some rest—you’re on the grill tomorrow.”

The next day, their close friends Joseph and Emma came over to celebrate Jessie’s birthday. Jessie invited her friends, and the house quickly filled with laughter. Timmy helped set up the table, making sure his sister had the best day possible.

Allysa and Emma played with the kids while Robert and Joseph handled the grill outside.

As Robert fired it up, Joseph struck up a conversation.
“Haven’t seen you in a while, man. Heard you’ve been busy.”

Robert nodded, not proud of it.
“Yeah… work’s been a lot. On top of my job, I’ve been taking extra projects. Just trying to bring in more money—you know, duty calls.”

Joseph nodded.
“I get that. Just… don’t forget to spend time with your family. Enjoy moments like this.”

Meanwhile, Timmy came out with the burger toppings.
“Here you go, Dad!”

“Thanks, kiddo,” Robert smiled. “How’s Mom and Jessie?”

“They’re watching a movie. We’re eating soon—I’m excited for the burgers!”

Robert chuckled.
“That’s good to hear. Go join them—I’ll be there soon.”

He watched Timmy run back inside and sit beside Allysa. She looked up, smiled, and waved at Robert. He smiled back, holding the tray of burgers and hot dogs.

“Yo, Robert!” Joseph called. “The grill’s ready!”

“Coming!”

After the movie, everyone gathered to eat. They shared burgers and hot dogs, then sang happy birthday as Allysa brought out the cake. Jessie beamed as she blew out the candles.

Later, they all headed to a nearby playground. Allysa joined the kids, while Robert stayed behind to clean up with Joseph.

Once they finished, Robert showed Joseph around the house, eventually leading him upstairs to his office.

Joseph looked around.
“Nice setup. And wow… all these memories. You still have the guitar from when you first started dating Allysa.”

“Yeah,” Robert said, glancing at a photo of them together.

Joseph noticed the shift in his expression.
“Something on your mind?”

Robert sighed.
“I don’t know… I’m surrounded by everything I ever wanted, but I still feel empty. I love my family, and I want to give them a better life. That’s why I keep working. But even with all of that… something feels missing.”

They heard voices downstairs—guests saying their goodbyes.

Joseph placed a hand on his shoulder.
“I understand. But your kids won’t remember how much you worked. They’ll remember how you made them feel. Today? Jessie will remember that her dad was there for her. Timmy will be happy that he gets his father’s stewardship. Alyssa will be more than thrilled to have to call you as her husband and best friend. 

He paused.
“A job supports your life—but it’s not your life. Be present.  I know you’re doing the right thing, but I think there’s a better thing to do right now. And that thing is to make sure that you’re present in the moment, making sure that the kids are happy, the wife is happy. And if they’re happy, you’ll be happy too. I promise.” 

Robert nodded.
“Thanks, Joseph.”

That night, after everyone left, Allysa sent the kids to shower and get ready for bed.

“Good job today,” she said, giving Robert a high-five.

“You too,” he smiled.

“I’m going to shower.”

“I’ll clean up the living room,” Robert said.

“Are you sure? We can do it tomorrow.”

“It’s okay. You worked hard—go relax.”

After cleaning, Robert returned to his office. He noticed the photos Allysa had placed on his desk. He picked them up and smiled before setting them back.

Then his eyes landed on his guitar.

He picked it up and tuned it.
“Still sounds beautiful… after all these years.”

A knock came at the door.
“I’m done with the shower,” Allysa said gently.She was concerned that he’s going back to work this late.

Robert nodded. After his shower, he grabbed the guitar and went downstairs.

Allysa sat on the couch, reading with a cup of tea.
“What are you doing?” she asked. “The kids are asleep.”

“I know,” he said softly. “I’ll play quietly.”

He strummed a few chords.

Her eyes widened.
“You remember this song?”

“Of course I do,” she smiled. “You played it on our first date.”

Robert began to sing softly.

“Right from the jump

I was addicted, I was hooked on you

Like July is to the sun

You’re the one that I prayed for all my life

And then you arrived

It’s amazing how the time flies by

Do you remember, my baby?

Take me back to the summer breeze

We were sleeping out by the willow trees

It was the first time you laid your head on my chest

It was a night I will never forget

That’s when I told you on a Friday night

You’re always gonna have this heart of mine

Wherrever we go whatever we do

I just wanna spend forever with you”

Allysa glanced at the clock.
“It’s getting late. You should sleep—you’ve got that project tomorrow.”

Robert shook his head.
“That can wait. Money comes and goes. What matters most… is right here.”

Allysa rested her head on his shoulder as he continued playing.

And for the first time in a long while, Robert felt complete.

“I know this sounds cliché

But I was in love with you from the first sight

Like a moth drawn to flame

And I know even in another life

I would find you and hold you

Remember I told you I’d never let go, babe

Take me back to the summer breeze 

We were sleeping out by the willow trees

It was the first time you laid your head on my chest

It was a night I will never forget

That’s when I told you on a Friday night

You’re always gonna have this heart of mine

Wherever we go, whatever we do

I just wanna spend forever with you”