"Mom!!" Nathaniel and Kathleen exclaimed happily, relief washing over their faces as they saw their mother walk into the living room.
Athena chuckled at the sight of them awake at such a late hour. She squatted to their height and opened her arms wide for them to rush into her embrace. As they nestled into her bosom, she kissed their heads and cheeks intermittently, inhaling their calming, familiar scents.
"Couldn't sleep?" She asked them when she finally disengaged from the long hug.
The twins shook their heads in unison. "We were waiting up for you with Aunt Gianna. How is Mr. Ewan? Is he better now?"
Athena nodded with a smile, grateful she could even provide that answer, having seen the sorrow in their eyes as they posed the question. She watched as they sighed with relief before looking ahead.
