As if sensing his stare, Sheldon turned his head, his little face scrunching up in mock seriousness.

"Dad, why do you keep looking at me like that? You're staring at me as if I'm some kind of animal in a zoo!"

Lyndon blinked, then let out a low chuckle. "So, what kind of animal do you think you are?"

Sheldon thought for a moment, then grinned mischievously. "Fox."

Lyndon raised an eyebrow. "Why?" Sheldon broadened his smile. "Because I'm cute and smart."

But as he laughed, he suddenly winced, his tiny hands flying to his stomach.

Tilda had just finished applying the ointment to Sheldon's bruise and smiled softly.

"ALL done. Now, remember—no sudden movements, or you'll make it worse," she reminded him.

Sheldon gave an exaggerated nod, trying his best to suppress another Laugh.

Tilda turned her gaze toward Lyndon. "Stop teasing him already. I'm going to wash my hands."

Lyndon smirked. "Alright, alright. I'll behave. I didn't realize our son was this easily amused."

The moment the words left his mouth, Sheldon's face lit up, but he pressed his lips together, trying to hold back his giggles. Lyndon leaned in, feigning a serious expression. "Hold it in, or I'll be in big trouble tonight."

That did it. Sheldon burst into laughter again, his tiny body shaking with joy.

Tilda found the whole exchange amusing but chose to let them be, shaking her head as she disappeared into the bathroom.

Lyndon, watching Sheldon clutch his belly from Laughing too hard, scratched his forehead with a mock frown. "What's so funny? Tell me, what's making you laugh so much?"

Sheldon wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. "Daddy, you're so bad!"

His excitement was contagious, but suddenly, his laughter faded as he winced, clutching his stomach. His breaths came in short puffs as the pain from his bruise returned.

Lyndon's teasing demeanor instantly shifted, his brows knitting together in concern. "Does it hurt a lot?" he asked, his voice softer now.

Seeing Lyndon's expression change, Sheldon immediately stopped laughing. He nodded seriously. "A little bit.. so don't be harsh on me. You need to comfort me, or it'll hurt even more."

Lyndon raised an eyebrow. "When was I ever harsh on you?"

Sheldon pouted. "You're looking at me with a straight face right now. That's terrifying."

Lyndon blinked. "I think you might be misunderstanding something here."

Sheldon shook his head, adamant. "No way. When you don't smile, you look so stern. If you don't believe me, ask Mommy!"

Lyndon chuckled. "Is there really a need to ask? You and your mom are always teaming up against me."