ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY NINE

SYLVIA'S POV

I stepped out of the car and looked up at the Lockwood mansion, taking in its grandeur. It had been six and a half months since I’d last been here, and it was just as magnificent as I remembered. The large garden, the elegant fountain, and the impressive walls of the mansion seemed untouched by time. Everything about the house exuded a timeless charm.

As I admired the view, the kids tumbled out of the car, their eyes wide with wonder. “Mom, it’s so beautiful!” they exclaimed, running around the garden.

Grayson, went to the trunks of the car. He called out to Paul, asking him to help with the bags. “Paul, can you give me a hand?” Grayson said, gesturing towards the trunk.

Paul came over, and together, they began unloading the bags. I watched as the kids continued to explore, their excitement palpable. It felt good to be back, surrounded by the familiar comfort of the Lockwood mansion.

I called out to the kids as they came running toward me. We walked together to the front