The pitter-patter of little feet came suddenly and their door burst open. The two were unsurprised at the intrusion. Constantine sat up.

“What have we told you about knocking, you two?”

“We’re sorry!” But they were already jumping on the bed. Constantine let herself fall back into her pillow. “I suppose we could get a sitter tonight. What do you say?” she asked as she wryly smiled his way.

His right eyebrow rose in anticipation. “Felicia is always free. It should be okay to call her soon.”

The kids were already pulling the sheets, trying to get to their parents’ feet.

“Come on, you lazies! Time to get out of bed or you’ll be in trouble!” They giggled to themselves.

Constantine rose again and lunged for the closest child. “I’ve got you now and you’re mine forever! I’ll never let you go!” she joked as she furiously tickled her son, who laughingly writhed around in her grasp.

Ermingild took their daughter and easily hoisted her up above his head, over his shoulder, and tickled her feet. “I’ve captured mine, what should we do with them?”

The kids were at their parents’ mercy.

“I suppose we could be lenient today, but just today. Get dressed, you two. Wash up and be ready for breakfast in twenty minutes!”

Constantine was barely heard over the laughter, but they knew the weekend drill and scampered off.

Ermingild opened the drapes to let in the light; there was no point in trying to prolong the inevitable. Constantine began her morning routine.

“I’ll be taking them to meet Luana in the park. After our play date, we could leave them with Felicia and have the rest of the afternoon to ourselves.”

“I’m already there. I’ll wrap up my work while you’re at the park and be ready for a romantic evening.”

She laughed. “Romantic, eh? I can’t wait. But no shellfish.”

“You’re still on me for that? How was I supposed to know you were allergic to shrimp? And that was the last time. You’re not allergic anymore; you love shrimp.”

Constantine just shook her head, “Bad memories; no shrimp! Chocolate is still okay.”

Constantine trailed her children as they rushed out the front door and into the yard. “Hey, stay close.” Luana was already walking towards her gate.

“Ah, you’re on time this morning. Thought I’d have to wait on you again.”

Constantine smiled. “No, the rugrats were very thorough in making sure I didn’t oversleep.”

Luana’s three kids had already mingled with Constantine’s, and had started playing their games.

Luana laughed. “It’s like we don’t even exist.”

“I still think they should be on leashes.”

Luana scowled. “They’re too old for leashes now.”

“They will never be too old!”

They walked with the gaggle of kids as they made their way to the neighborhood park.

Constantine sighed. “So, I remembered something last night.”

Luana cocked her head playfully. “You’re always forgetting things, aren’t you?”

“Princess Perdita.”

“It’s been a while,” said Luana. “I had wondered if you’d remember at all. A part of me was hoping that you wouldn’t.”

“Why not?”

Luana sighed heavily and her eyes misted over. “I guess I was ashamed of how my life was before this one. So much hidden anger. I’ve had my whole life to think about what I would say to you when, if you remembered. Now, the only thing I can think of to say is ‘thank you.’ Thank you.”

She stopped and took Constantine’s hand in hers. Constantine squeezed it as a reassurance.

“Are you really happy? I mean really?”

Luana laughed and shed a few tears. “Life is never easy, not even this one…but yes. I’ve found happiness. I’ve chosen happiness, and you helped me realize that my outlook on life mattered. It wasn’t easy, but when we met again I knew there was hope. Somehow, even with no memories of your past lives, you befriended me again, you loved me as a sister. I was thankful for that. Sometimes I had only that.”

“But now you have so much more.”

Luana nodded and a peaceful smile manifested on her face. “Yes.” She looked to her three beautiful children, and then back to her house, situated right next to Constantine’s. She thought of her loving and faithful husband, and her parents who did their best in raising her and her brother.

“Yes, I am thankful for life.”

EXTRA: Choosing with Meaning

Names play an important role for my main characters, and each of their names tell stories about their core nature.

Perdita means lost

Constantine means steady

Ermingild means all-giving

Mara means bitter

Nadia means hope

Chaise means hunter

Luana means content