Harmonic sat on the porch of his and Atmospheric's home. He gazed over the quiet street of their neighborhood, letting himself become lost in thought. A gentle breeze caused the grass to sway and dance, producing calming, peaceful audio waves which drove the stallion deeper into his mind. For a time, he remained silently still. This changed when he felt a pair of hooves place themselves upon his shoulders.
"You okay, hon?"
"Now that you're here."
Atmospheric heard the depth of his emotion. The wind momentarily blew his bangs to the side. With just a peek through his right eye, she saw the awareness present within him. There was no mistaking it - her husband was in the midst of a spiritual awakening.
"Lookin' good, old man."
"Thank you kindly, young lady."
The two shared a tender, gentle kiss.
"Why don't you come inside? It's cold."
"I have to pick up a few things from the store."
"I don't want you to go."
"I'll be back before you know it."
"I love you."
"I love you, too..."
Harmonic stood up. He could feel his heart overflowing. He embraced his partner in an extremely tight hug.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were trying to kill me."
"Sorry."
Atmospheric giggled.
"I'm just messing with ya'. I'll hang out with the kids 'til you get back."
"Give 'em a hug for me."
"I will."
Just the short walk to the store felt excruciatingly lonely, but Harmonic needed to feel that pain. He needed time to think and reflect. The last six years of his life were the happiest he'd ever lived. He had a beautiful, caring spouse, two happy, healthy, compassionate children, and a flourishing career. From an outsider's perspective, he seemed to have it all, but something was still missing. He remembered what Atmospheric had asked him only a few nights before.
"Can we have another foal...?"
Those were her exact words. They resonated through the core of his very being. He realized she was right. What they needed was a truly complete family; one last child to tie everyone together. Then he thought about his son...
Hard Core was very much like his father in terms of personality. He was sensitive, quiet, creative, and possessed a certain sense of ingenuity. What Harmonic was concerned with more than anything else, however, was his son's protective nature. Hard Core was extremely strong and intelligent for his age. In some regards, he put his father to shame. Long before Harmonic became spiritually in tune with himself and the world around him, Hard Core was learning about the beliefs and customs practiced by Eastern martial artists. In just three months, the young boy became proficient in the fundamentals of Wing Chun. He further developed his distinctive abilities by critically analyzing what was right and what was wrong. While Harmonic knew both his children to be inherently good, Hard Core was the one who made a conscious effort to remain morally just. At the age of five, his wisdom and fortitude already matched that of an individual nearing the end of their life. Harmonic realized his son needed someone to care for in order to feel whole.
"Now I get what this was all about..."
Harmonic returned home later during the day. Atmospheric and the children were watching TV on the couch. He put the groceries away and spoke to his wife.
"Can I talk to the kids alone for a minute?"
"Why?"
"It's a surprise."
"Okay, weirdo. I'm gonna' jump in the shower."
Atmospheric left the room, leaving the children and their father to speak in private. He knelt before them.
"How are you guys doing?"
"Good," his daughter replied cheerfully.
"Me and mommy were talking about something the other night. It's really important, so I need your input."
"Okay."
"Do you guys want a new brother or sister to play with?"
Melodic's face lit up. She'd never thought about a new sibling before.
"Really!?"
"If you guys want one. What about you, bud," Harmonic asked his son.
Hard Core simply nodded.
"That settles it, then. Don't tell mommy yet, though."
"Why?"
"It's hard to explain, but I need you to keep it under wraps until tomorrow. Can you do that?"
"Yes."
"That a girl. Go play in your room for a bit. I need to talk to your brother for a few minutes."
Melodic complied with her father's request.
"Hey, buddy. How've you been holding up?"
"Okay, I guess."
"Listen...I know you've felt some bad things in your life, and you're not really sure why. I'm not either, but part of the reason we want to do this is for you."
"Me...?"
"I see the way you're always focusing on us. You're always looking after the family, especially your mom and sister. In a way, you're just as much the man of the house as I am. I want you to help me take care of the new baby when it comes. They're gonna' need a strong, kind big brother like you to look up to. Will you do it?"
"I will."
"I'm proud of you. I just want you to know that."
Harmonic gave his son a hug.
"Go get Melodic. I'll make dinner soon."
"...I love you, daddy."
"I love you, too."
Harmonic made Atmospheric's favorite meal that night. He felt as though his blood had been replaced by the tranquil waters of heaven. All that mattered was the contentment and assurance of those he cared about. After they finished eating, Harmonic and Atmospheric tucked Melodic and Hard Core in for the night.
"We'll see you in the morning," Atmospheric spoke sweetly. She kissed them each above their brows. With that, the couple retreated to their chamber.
"You're really an amazing mother."
"Something's up with you today. What's your game?"
"Guess I've been found out."
Harmonic approached his wife.
"Do you remember when I told you I would do anything for you?"
"Yeah."
"Do you remember what you asked me?"
"A few things."
"This should clear things up."
The stallion knelt on one hind leg.
"Will you have my child again?"
Atmospheric gasped. Tears welled up in her eyes. Harmonic quickly rose, wrapping his forelegs around her and kissing her fiercely in a display of unfettered affection. She allowed herself to fall onto the bed behind her. Harmonic placed his forehead against hers. On this night, he would make love not only to her body, but to her soul as well.
Atmospheric lied captivated by her husband's grasp. The combined warmth of his fur and the blanket covering them began to call her subconscious forth.
"Are you tired?"
"Mhm."
"Rest. You need it now."
"You won't leave me, right...?"
"Not for one second."
"I'll be waiting for the day when we can finally see our beautiful baby smile..."
Atmospheric closed her eyes. Her breaths gradually evened out.
"Yeah...I will be too..."
Harmonic kissed her goodnight, and soon, the silent shadows of sleep claimed them...
