As awareness slowly returned to her, Amelia became conscious of three small presences lingering very close to her bedside. She blinked against the soft morning light, adjusting to the brightness until her vision cleared, and there they were. Her triplets were already awake, dressed neatly, every strand of their hair in place, shoes polished, their little outfits chosen with care. They stood beside her bed like a tiny welcoming committee, their matching eyes gleaming with that familiar sparkle of mischief and excitement.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," three voices chimed in perfect unison.
Amelia could not help the groan that slipped from her lips. Her body still felt heavy with sleep, but her heart softened immediately at the sight of them. She sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes, and reached out her arms for the nearest child. It was Luther who surrendered himself to her embrace, even though she knew he usually tried to act as if he were too mature for such things.
