We settled into the booth, and I adjusted my sunglasses as I scanned the bustling restaurant. Everyone seemed to be infested with the bubbly Christmas mood. The air was filled with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the gentle hum of morning chatter. I smiled, feeling a sense of comfort wash over me. This was her favourite time of the year - celebrating 5he Christmas holidays with my baby. Across from me, Annie searched her bag and got busy colouring in her new activity book, her tongue poking out of the corner of her mouth in concentration. I chuckled, watching as her crayon slipped off the page, leaving a bright red streak on the table. I made a mental note to stock a lot of these books for Annie, look at how occupied they keep her all day. "Oops, Annie!" I gently teased, ha

