—Mabel—
Sunlight spilled through the windows.
I peeled my eyes open as three familiar voices reached my ears. The bedroom door swung open, and their laughter filled the air.
“Mommy!!”
They clambered onto the bed before I could sit up, pinning me against the silk sheets with kisses.
“Easy, guys,” I laughed, my voice thick with sleep. “Hollow bones here.”
“Good morning, Mommy,” the children chorused.
A laugh escaped me.
“Morning, sweeties. Hope you had a restful night.”
They nodded, wrapping their tiny arms around me.
Fizzy appeared in the doorway and barked. The children jumped off the bed and ran after him, their laughter reaching the stairs.
I let out a breath and slid out of bed.
My phone vibrated on the vanity.
I picked up and answered.
“Hello, Ruth.”
“Did I wake you?”
I
