◇Kate◇
“Mommy!”
Kate's heart thudded in her chest as the children ran toward her and threw themselves into her arms.
“Mommy, we missed you,” they cried.
Kate froze for a moment, unsure what to do. Her hand clenched at her side.
Then, slowly, she surrendered to the familiar warmth and scent of her kids, her trembling arms wrapped around them, and leaned her head against theirs. With closed eyes, she breathed in the sweet aroma of their shampoo.
It was the first time Kate felt warmth creep into her deadened heart.
She pressed gentle kisses to the top of their heads.
“I miss you too, my babies,” she whispered, her voice cracking.
She pulled out and looked at them, tears streaming down her face.
“And you have both grown so big,” she murmured, gently ruffling the hair.
“Mommy, don't
