Amelia stood in the wide foyer, her conversation with Eric flowing softly. Their voices carried no urgency, only the kind of warmth that comes when two siblings rediscover each other after years apart. Before Eric could respond to her last remark, three small figures appeared at the top of the grand staircase. The children were still in their dinosaur patterned pajamas, rubbing their eyes drowsily. Their tiny feet padded against the polished wood, and even half asleep they radiated mischief and life.
Ariel clutched her beloved plush Tyrannosaurus Rex tightly to her chest. Her sleepy little voice called out, "Mommy?" She made every word sound like a question, and the tender innocence in her tone pulled at Amelia's heart.
Alex, with his usual wild hair sticking up in every possible direction, leaned forward over the banister. His eyes sparkled with curiosity as he whispered, "Who is that with Mom?"
