A/N: This is an expansion of Chapter 67 of my story "Life in the Emerald City" (entitled: "Butterfly") suggested by Kristen3 and dedicated to Kristen, Pat and Leigh Ann

Daphne had to admit that she was relieved as she slowed the car to a stop in the garage and turned off the engine. It had been a tiring yet wonderful day; a rare day spent alone with the person she cherished the most. She loved days like these, where she could bond with the person who made life so much happier, no matter what she was feeling inside.

In the backseat sat David, who was giggling and laughing at something only he would understand and she sighed with slight disappointment. She was hoping that their busy day would have worn him out; affording him some much-needed peace and quiet while he took his nap. But she knew better. Given the way that he was talking rapidly as only a child of his age could, there was no doubt that he was wide awake and would be for some time.

She, on the other hand, was absolutely exhausted, barely able to keep her eyes open. They'd seen everything at least twice and some more than that. She loved spending time with her son and she wanted to share in his enthusiasm for the things they saw. She was so proud of him for being able to read more than a few words and she knew that once he was old enough to start school, he would go far in life. He read almost every sign and description; as best as he could, making observations about each and every one that she would have never imagined in a million years. Even though he was her son, he was the brightest little boy she'd ever seen.

Daphne and Niles had discussed and considered several times enrolling David early; that he could get a head start on his education and hopefully follow in his father's footsteps, if only for the fact that he attended an Ivy-League school. But Daphne worried that given David's small size; he would feel out of place. Fortunately Niles agreed, but they vowed to teach David everything that they could on their own. And it had certainly paid off. David was much brighter than most kids his age.

"Come on, love let's go inside, all right? It's been a long day and-."

Before she could finish, David had already unbuckled his car seat and was scrambling out of it, grabbing his small panda-shaped backpack as he jumped out of the car. How he managed to do such things without hurting himself, Daphne had no idea, but it worried her. She vowed to talk to him about being more careful in the future.

"Wait for Mum, Sweetheart!" She called to him.

He stood obediently, waiting for her to grab their things and get out of the car. It took more than a little effort and her lack of energy worried her. She wasn't as young as she used to be and although she was glad that she waited to have David until she was older, it was evident that she'd lost the stamina that she once had.

What kind of mother would she be if she was too tired to enjoy spending time with her son? She had no explanation, but it disturbed her just the same.