Mom entered the room with a soft smile, her footsteps quiet on the carpet. She leaned over the small bed where Eli, her 3-year-old son, lay nestled in his dreams. "Good morning, my little explorer," she whispered, brushing a hand gently over his tousled hair. "Today is a big day! If we do everything together, you can have some time on the phone before school!"

Eli blinked sleepily, stretching his small limbs as Mom helped him sit up. "Let’s get you dressed for your big day," she said, holding up a bright yellow shirt. Eli giggled, reaching for the shirt, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "Yellow like the sun!" he exclaimed, clapping his hands. "And remember, getting ready helps us have fun! We want to be on time for the bus so I can always pick you up after school, right?"

Mom guided Eli to the sink, squeezing a dot of toothpaste onto his tiny toothbrush. "Remember, brush all the little teeth," she encouraged, demonstrating in the mirror. Eli mimicked her, concentrating hard, his features scrunched up in determination. "Brush, brush, brush!" he sang, his voice echoing in the tiled room. "Good job! After this, we will have breakfast, and you’ll be ready for the day!"

Mom placed a plate of fluffy pancakes in front of Eli, who wiggled excitedly in his chair. "Eat up, little one. We have a busy morning," she said, pouring syrup with a flourish. "Pancakes are my favorite!" Eli declared, diving into his breakfast with gusto. "If you finish quickly, you can have some phone time before we go!"

Mom held Eli's hand as they walked to the pharmacy. Eli skipped beside her, pointing out every dog and flower they passed, but sometimes he felt a little nervous, remembering the first day at school. "After we pick up my medicine, it's off to the bus stop. I’ll always be there to pick you up after school, no matter what!" she reminded him. "Bus time! School time!" he chanted, his excitement palpable, though a hint of worry flickered in his blue eyes.

Mom and Eli arrived at the bus stop together, holding hands. Eli stood on tiptoe, peering eagerly down the street as the bus approached. "Remember to listen to your teacher and have fun," Mom said, planting a kiss on his cheek. "I will, Mom!" he promised, his eyes wide with anticipation mixed with anxiety as the bus doors swung open, marking the start of his daycare adventure but feeling secure knowing mom would be there after school.