(Adeline)I watched Miles and Mabel nibbling on their cookies, little crumbs scattered around their plates and flecks of chocolate smudging their fingers. They giggled between bites, eyes bright and carefree, blissfully unaware of the shadows hanging over us.I forced a smile, but my heart felt heavy, as if a hand were squeezing it tightly. I could barely keep the tremble from my lips as I spoke, “Alright, darlings, time to finish up. Grandma’s getting tired.”Miles gave me a look of concern, his little forehead creased, “Bed already, Grandma?”“Yes, sweetheart,” I murmured, reaching over to brush a crumb off his cheek, “But first, I need to give you two a big kiss goodnight.”Mabel giggled and tilted her face toward me, waiting for her turn. I leaned down, pressing a soft kiss on each of their foreheads, breathing in their scent, the smell of warm cookies and innocence. If only I could shield them from every hurt, every worry. But I knew life had other plans.“Be good for Grandma Mar
Last Updated : 2024-10-30 Read more