The quiet hum of the residential corridor was broken only by the soft, rhythmic patter of small feet. Hazel walked slowly, keeping her pace perfectly synchronized with the toddlers beside her. They were returning from their private reading lesson in the small library room at the end of the hall.
Liam clutched a heavy, leather-bound picture book tightly against his chest, his tiny fingers tracing the gold foil lettering on the cover. Aidan walked on his outer side, his chin lifted and his little shoulders squared, mimicking the stance of a sentry.
"Selah," Liam whispered, looking up at her with his wide, sky-blue eyes. "The lady with the big glasses said we read fast. She gave me the book to keep."
"You did very well, Liam," Hazel said, her voice soft, gentle, and perfectly tuned to her
