I woke before dawn. The faint light of the rising sun painted the edges of the forest in golden hues. My eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, I felt the weight of the dream lingering in my chest.
The vivid images of Damien, Xavier, and Magnus—of what once was and could never be again—were still fresh in my mind. A single tear slipped down my cheek, followed by another, and I hastily wiped them away.
"Not today," I told myself, forcing a deep breath into my lungs. "The boys need me more than them. They always do."
Pushing myself out of bed, I smoothed my hair and went about my usual routine. As my sons slept soundly, I padded into the kitchen and began preparing breakfast. I swiftly sliced bread, scrambled eggs, and heated milk.
Soon, the delicious smell wafted through the air, and as expected, it wasn't long before the sound of little feet thumping against the wooden floor reached my ears.
