Charles stared at the financial report in his hands. It looked worse the longer he read. "Quarterly loss again. Fantastic," he muttered.
Jane looked over from the kitchen island. "That bad?"
Charles didn't answer. He pinched the bridge of his nose. "This quarter's a mess, Jane. If we don't recover by the next, we're gonna have to lay off people."
Jane walked over and rubbed his back gently. "You've been carrying this alone?"
He nodded. "Didn't want to worry you or the kids."
Arthur, who had paused in the hallway, overheard. He said nothing but walked away quietly, straight to Rosie's room.
She opened her door, toothbrush in hand. "What now?"
Arthur walked in and closed the door. "Dad's stressed. Badly. He's trying to hide it, but I heard him talking to Mom. The business isn't doing well."
Rosie frowned. "He always acts like it's fine."
"Exactly. So I was thinking—" he took a deep breath, "—we plan a trip. Get them out of here for a few days. Surprise them."
Rosie put her toothbrush down. "Where?"
"Leh. Trekking, camping, monks, clean air... no phones."
She grinned. "You want to take them to the middle of nowhere."
Arthur nodded. "Yeah. I think we all need it."
Four Days Later – Surprise Morning
Jane walked into the living room and froze. "Why are there four backpacks packed by the door?"
Charles looked equally confused. "Did someone order camping gear?"
Arthur stood behind the sofa. "Nope. We're leaving. Right now."
Charles blinked. "Leaving where?"
"Leh," Rosie said, handing Jane a printed itinerary.
"Wait, we're going to Leh? Today?"
Arthur smirked. "Surprise. Everything's booked. Lodges, campsites, permits."
Jane opened her mouth. "This is insane."
"And thoughtful," Rosie added.
Charles looked at them both, speechless for a moment. "You guys did this for us?"
"Not just for you," Arthur said. "We all need a break."
Charles shook his head, smiling faintly. "You two... are full of surprises."
Day One – Arrival in Leh
The cool mountain air hit them the moment they stepped off the plane. Rosie closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
"This already feels like therapy," she said.
Charles stood behind her, eyes on the horizon. "Haven't seen a sky this clear in years."
Arthur nudged Rosie. "I bet he's already forgetting about that damn quarterly report."
Their lodge was a small wooden cabin tucked between two ridges. No city noise. Just wind and birds.
That evening, Jane sat by the fireplace. "You two really thought this through, huh?"
Arthur chuckled. "You think I planned the snacks?"
Rosie grinned. "That was me."
Charles smiled from the couch. "Whoever thought of this—thank you. I was losing myself back there."
Rosie looked at him and said gently, "We noticed, Charles. That's why we did this."
Day Two – The Trek
They set out early, boots crunching through light snow.
Jane joked, "This better be worth it. My thighs already hate me."
Charles, a few steps ahead, turned around. "If I collapse, carry me back."
"Deal," Arthur said. "But I'm charging for it."
Midway, Rosie tripped on loose gravel. Arthur reached out instantly and grabbed her by the waist.
"You okay?" he asked, steadying her.
"I'm fine," she said, brushing her coat. "I just suck at trekking."
"You're still doing great," he said. "One fall doesn't change that."
From behind, Jane smiled. "He's never said that to me during a hike."
Rosie rolled her eyes. "Because I'm nicer than you."
They all laughed.
Day Three – Camping
That evening, they pitched tents by a stream. It was freezing, but cozy. Jane prepared simple foil-cooked potatoes. Arthur helped Charles stack wood for the fire.
"Been a long time since I did this with my dad," Arthur said quietly.
Charles looked at him. "You used to complain the entire time."
Arthur chuckled. "Still do. Just quieter now."
They sat around the fire. Rosie leaned her head on Arthur's shoulder.
Jane glanced at them and whispered to Charles, "They've grown up."
Charles nodded. "More than we realize."
Arthur looked down at Rosie and softly said, "Are you warm enough?"
She nodded. "Yeah. You?"
He shrugged. "Not really. But I've got you next to me, so I'll manage."
Day Four – The Monastery
The silence inside the monastery was thick but peaceful. A monk guided them to a small meditation room.
Charles sat quietly, eyes closed, fingers gently touching.
When they stepped outside afterward, he exhaled like he'd been holding his breath for years.
Jane put a hand on his arm. "Feeling better?"
"I forgot what peace felt like," he replied.
Rosie walked up beside them. "We needed this."
Charles looked at her. "I owe you two an apology. I thought you kids were always caught up in your own stuff. Turns out, you were watching out for us too."
Final Night – The Lodge
Back at the lodge, they packed up slowly, quietly.
Over dinner, Charles raised a toast with the last of the wine. "To Arthur and Rosie—for planning a trip that reminded us how to breathe again."
Jane added, "And for making us laugh. That hasn't happened enough lately."
Arthur said, "We just wanted you to remember who you were before work stress and deadlines."
Rosie looked around. "And we got to remember who we were too. As a family."
Charles smiled at her, eyes soft. "You're not just a guest in this house anymore, Rosie. You're part of this family."
Arthur added, looking right at her, "Yeah. You always were."
Rosie blushed, smiled, and tucked her hair behind her ear.