The school courtyard was buzzing with tiny voices, colorful backpacks, and the anxious laughter of parents pretending not to cry.
Talia stood in front of Little Ivy Academy, crouched down as she adjusted Zane's bowtie and brushed a curl from Luna's forehead. "You two ready?"
Zane tugged at his blazer. "Do I have to talk to people?"
Luna nodded solemnly. "What if they don't like my sparkly shoes?"
Ethan, standing behind Talia, chuckled. "Zane, your charm will win them over. Luna, your shoes are iconic."
"Daddy says I'm iconic," Luna beamed, clinging to her little lunch bag shaped like a cat.
Talia smiled but blinked quickly, hiding the sting in her eyes. "You're both going to be amazing."
As the teacher called their names, the twins walked in hand in hand, their matching backpacks bouncing with each step.
Talia held onto Ethan's hand a second longer than she meant to. "That's it. Our babies are in school."
