

Arefa wakes up early and tiptoes into the kitchen. Dad is already making pancakes and flips one high in the air. "Can I try?" Arefa asks, her eyes wide. Dad smiles and lets her pour the batter. They giggle when a pancake lands funny. Arefa thinks pancakes taste best with Dad.

After breakfast, Dad finds a tent in the closet. "Let’s have a backyard adventure!" he says. Arefa helps set up the tent and puts in sleeping bags. They pretend they are explorers in the jungle. Dad tells silly stories, making Arefa laugh and forget they're in their own yard.

Dad hands Arefa a small map. "A treasure awaits for clever girls," he winks. Together, they search behind bushes and beneath rocks. Arefa spots a box under the swing. She opens it to find chocolate coins and a shiny sticker. "Best treasure ever!" she cheers.

Rain starts drumming on the windows, so they spread a blanket on the living room floor. Dad brings sandwiches and juice boxes. "It's our indoor picnic now," he says. They munch and watch raindrops race down the glass. Arefa pretends her sandwich is a tiny boat. Dad plays along, making boat noises.

After lunch, Dad winks and pulls a coin from behind Arefa’s ear. "Wow, how did you do that?" she gasps. Dad shows a card trick, shuffling carefully. He teaches Arefa how to make a handkerchief disappear. "You're magic too!" she giggles. They clap for each other's magical talents.

For dinner, they make pizza together. Dad lets Arefa spread tomato sauce and sprinkle cheese. She arranges pepperonis into a smiley face. "Best chef team ever," Dad says, giving her a high five. The kitchen smells wonderful. They eat slices together, happy and proud.

When the rain stops, they step into the cool night air. Dad points out the Big Dipper and a bright planet. Arefa wishes on a shooting star. They snuggle under a blanket, looking for constellations. "The stars are pretty with you," Arefa whispers. Dad hugs her close.

As they settle in the tent, Dad reads Arefa’s favorite storybook. Arefa adds her own silly endings. They take turns making up stories about the moon and stars. Dad uses a flashlight to make funny shadows on the tent wall. Arefa yawns. It's cozy and safe in their little tent.

Arefa wakes up next to Dad and giggles. "Good morning, explorer," Dad says, ruffling her hair. They peek out of the tent at the bright sky. Breakfast is toast and fresh fruit. Arefa feeds a berry to Dad, who pretends to be a hungry bear. They have a bear picnic inside the tent.

After breakfast, they pedal their bikes to the park. Arefa laughs as she races Dad down a gentle hill. Dad cheers, "You’re so fast!" They stop to watch ducks by the pond. Arefa tosses breadcrumbs, waving at a feathery friend. Dad teaches her to ring her bike bell.

At home, Dad covers the table with paper and crayons. "Let’s draw our favorite part of the weekend," he says. Arefa draws pancakes and stars. Dad draws a tent with them inside. They tape the pictures on the fridge. "We made wonderful memories," Dad smiles.

Sunday evening comes too soon. Dad and Arefa cuddle on the couch, looking at their drawings. "I loved our weekend," Arefa whispers. "Me too," Dad says, holding her tight. She feels happy and loved. They can’t wait until their next weekend together.