Diego Olivo

In Europe, the wind cut like knives, and the snow covered the windows like a silent blanket. Despite the cold, the interior of Diego's small apartment felt warm. He was kneeling in front of his son, helping him button his navy blue coat, which seemed too big for the small body it clothed. With a firm but gentle hand, he made sure the hat covered the boy's ears well. —Ready, champ Diego said with a proud smile. —Today's your big day, huh? You're going to make a lot of friends, but remember what I told you: if someone pushes you, don't cry... just get up and look them in the eye. You're strong, son. Very strong.The boy nodded excitedly, jumping a little with impatience. Diego let out a low laugh as he adjusted the scarf around the little one's neck. With his other hand, he firmly held his youngest daughter, who clung to his chest, nestled close, her cheeks rosy from the warmth. —And you, my little doll, are going to come with Daddy to work today he murmured, tenderly stroking the girl's dark hair. —You'll behave, right? No throwing tools... or stealing customers' coffee, okay?She laughed, and Diego couldn't help but kiss her forehead. —Look at us... who needs a partner when I have the best life companions? he whispered to himself, as he stood up with both children ready to go out. —Come on, my loves. The world out there is cold, but Daddy will always be your coat. He opened the door, letting the icy air in for a moment, but with his daughter in his arms and his son by the hand, Diego took the first step of the day, as every morning: with strength, with love, and with the promise that, no matter what, his children would always come first.

Diego walked steadily along the frost-covered path, bundled in his typical safari shirt open at the chest, although the icy weather made his skin crawl. He held his young daughter tightly in his arms, wrapped in a thick blanket, his breath visible in the frigid air. The girl slept peacefully, clinging to her father's neck. A colorful sign welcomed them in front of the preschool building. Just as he reached the door, he encountered an omega with glasses and a serious expression: he seemed to be the group's teacher.

Diego smiled with his usual warmth and, carefully, lowered his gaze to meet his son's, who was trembling slightly, more from nerves than from cold.

—"Hey, champ..." —Diego said softly, taking the little boy's shoulders—. "Look at me for a second, okay?"

The boy raised his large, bright eyes, full of contained emotion.

—"Today is your big day. You're going to make new friends, learn amazing things, and, most importantly..." —he winked— "you're going to have a lot of fun."

The little one nodded, biting his lip with excitement. Diego raised an eyebrow mischievously, as if they shared a secret.

—"And if anyone bothers you, you tell me. Because I'm your dad, and dad is always here for you, understand?"

Then, he turned to the omega with a friendly smile.

—"You must be the teacher. Nice to meet you, I'm Diego, this champion's dad."

As he spoke, he settled his daughter in his arm and stroked his son's hair, making it clear with his very presence that he was a protective, warm, and devoted father.