Mirabelle’s POV: Noah had promised to take me to the mall to shop for the clothes I'd wear to dinner and to also pick up gifts for his parents. But now, it's past 7, and he's still not home. When I called him earlier, he said he was stuck at work. I quickly texted him, asking him to grab some diffusers and scented candles on his way back—it seemed like the most thoughtful and sensible gift for an elderly person. After texting Noah, I went to the room where the kids had gathered. They had gotten back from school earlier, but I was a bit occupied with an online meeting so I couldn't play with them all day. Mika was the first to spot me and practically flew into my arms, a wide smile on her face, though I could already see the hint of disappointment when she saw me walk in instead of Noa

