The apartment was unusually quiet for a Saturday evening. The faint hum of the fridge filled the space, mingling with the soft clatter of Bella folding laundry on the couch.
Chloe sat curled at the other end, one leg tucked beneath her as she scrolled absentmindedly through her phone, the blue glow catching her features.
Both of them enjoying the silence only that it didn't last.
The front door swung open, and Timothy's laughter spilled into the room like sunlight after a storm. He darted inside, his sneakers squeaking against the floor, his little backpack bouncing wildly on his shoulders. Rachel followed at a slower pace, carrying the extra bags of snacks and toys from the playground.
"Mommy!" Timothy's high-pitched squeal filled the air as he hurled himself straight into Bella's lap.
