011

Sunday morning arrived with the sun shining through my window, filling my room with light, and even though I was still feeling a little tired from the long week and the shopping trip with Brenda, I knew I couldn’t just stay in bed all day. It had been way too long since I visited my family, and I missed them a lot, especially my twin sisters, Emma and Ella. So, after getting dressed in a simple outfit, I headed to church first, because that was how Sundays always started for me.

Church was peaceful. The sermon was about patience and learning to let go of things we couldn’t control, and as I sat there listening, I couldn’t help but think about everything happening in my life right now, my recent breakup with Elias, work, Nick, and even Brenda’s exciting new romance. A part of me wished I could just press a reset button and start everything fresh, but life didn’t work that way.

After the service, I left church feeling a little lighter, and instead of heading straight to my parents’ house, I made a quick stop at a grocery store to pick up some gifts for my twin sisters. They were always so full of energy and mischief, and I knew they’d be excited to see me, so I figured surprising them with presents would make the visit even better. I picked up a few things I knew they would love, some cute matching teddy bears, a few art supplies since they loved drawing, and some chocolate candy, because what kid didn’t love candy?

By the time I arrived at my family’s house, it was already early afternoon, and the moment I stepped inside the living room, I was greeted by the loud voices of Emma and Ella.

“Tracyyyy!”

Before I could even blink, both of them ran toward me, nearly tackling me with a tight hug that almost made me drop the bags in my hands.

I laughed, hugging them back. “Okay, okay! You two are going to crush me!”

Emma pulled back, grinning up at me. “You haven’t visited in forever!”

Ella pouted. “Yeah! We thought you forgot about us!”

I sighed dramatically. “How could I ever forget my favorite little troublemakers?”

They giggled, pleased with the compliment, but before I could even step further into the house, they suddenly exchanged a look, and I knew right away that they were up to something no good.

“You look really pretty today, Tracy,” Emma said sweetly, her eyes twinkling like a rascal.

Ella nodded quickly. “Yeah! Super, super pretty! But wait, what’s that on your dress?”

I frowned, looking down, but before I could even process what was happening, Ella suddenly reached out and tapped my nose with her finger.

“Boop! Gotcha!”

Emma burst into laughter, clapping her hands. “You fell for it!”

I groaned, realizing they had tricked me, and shook my head. “You two are the worst!”

They just laughed even harder, proud of themselves, and honestly, I couldn’t even be mad. It felt good to be home, surrounded by their silly energy.

“Alright, alright,” I said, lifting the shopping bags. “Enough pranks! I got you guys something.”

Their eyes immediately widened with excitement. “Really?! What is it?”

I handed them their gifts, and within seconds, they were tearing through the packaging like little wild animals. When they saw the teddy bears, their faces lit up with pure joy.

“Oh my gosh, they match!” Ella squealed, hugging hers tightly.

Emma held hers up and spun in a circle. “I love it! Thank you, Tracy!”

I smiled, feeling warm inside of me. “You’re welcome. And there’s more.” I added.

I showed them the art supplies, and their excitement only grew.

“Now we can make even better drawings!” Emma said.

Ella grinned. “We’ll draw something just for you!”

“I’d love that.”

Just as we were all laughing and talking, my mom, Eleanor, walked into the living room with my dad, Richard, both of them smiling when they saw me.

“Look who finally decided to visit her family,” Mom teased, crossing her arms.

Dad chuckled. “I was starting to think you forgot where we lived.”

I rolled my eyes playfully. “You guys are acting like I’ve been gone for years. It’s only been a few weeks.”

Mom shook her head. “Still too long. Come, let’s eat. I made your favorite.”

That was all she needed to say to get me moving.

Dinner was amazing, as always. My mom was an incredible cook, and I never missed a chance to enjoy a home-cooked meal whenever I visited. We all sat around the table, eating and catching up on everything that had been happening. Emma and Ella kept talking about school, excited about college. My parents shared updates about their own lives, and even though I was sitting there, listening and talking, I carefully avoided mentioning my recent breakup.

I didn’t know why, but I just didn’t feel like talking about it. Maybe I didn’t want them to worry, or maybe I just didn’t want to hear their opinions about it. Either way, I kept that part of my life to myself.

Still, my dad must have noticed something was off because, after a while, he put down his fork and looked at me seriously.

“Work hasn’t been too stressful, has it?”

I quickly shook my head. “No, no. It’s been fine. Just the usual busy days.”

Mom nodded, giving me that knowing look only mothers could give. “Remember, no matter how busy things get, you have to take care of yourself. Work is important, but your health comes first.”

Dad agreed. “And if something is bothering you, don’t keep it to yourself. We’re always here.”

I forced a smile, feeling a small pang of guilt for not telling them about my breakup, but I just nodded. “I know. Thanks, Dad.”

We continued eating, and soon enough, the dinner was over, I felt a lot more relaxed than I had in days. I finally got up to leave, hugging everyone before heading out.

Emma and Ella clung to me dramatically. “Nooo, don’t gooo!”

“Pleaseeee!”

I laughed. “I’ll visit again soon, I promise.”

They pouted but let go, and I waved to my parents before finally heading out.

On the drive home, I thought about Brenda and her date. I hadn’t texted her all day to ask how it went, and a part of me felt bad for not checking in sooner. But at the same time, I knew I’d see her at work on Monday, and she’d definitely tell me everything then.

And even though I didn’t have my own romance anymore, I was kind of happy for her.