"What's going on out there?...huhh! Why did you run off like that." A loud voice was heard down the hallway.

I was at the door trying to make my way in but someone refused to let me go.

The footsteps grew louder as they were approaching me. 

"You should at least respond when..." A head popped out from the corner of the hallway. I looked at her and smiled.

Well, at least they are doing alright, I said to myself.

Her whole body came into view as she stepped away from the corner. She clutched her tiny hands and brought them to her chest. She didn't have to say anything because her expression said it all.

He looked at her still holding me tightly. "I didn't run off intentionally. I had to go see if someone was at the door and mom was there." His voice echoed in the space around us.

"Mom..." She was a bundle of nerves as she called me.

The other rascal ran towards me and hugged me pushing him to his side. 

"Hey! Did you not hear me? And what did you do that for!"

She turned to face him on her left. She squeezed one eye shut in a cheeky wink and poked out the tip of her tongue, her index finger resting thoughtfully against her cheek.

"Now you've done it..."

Oh boy. Well so much for a home welcome.

I cleared my throat to get their attention and as a matter of fact, it worked.

"Ok you two, let me come inside and sort out the luggage." I said as I looked down at them. 

They glared at each other, wanting to start a war. "Ok." They said in unison. Their staring contest not fading.

"But let us help you," said Michael.

"Yeah," said Abigail.

After what seemed like a long time, they broke eye contact and looked up at me with big puppy eyes. They pressed on further as they stared up at me. 

Ah, my heart. A tinge of happiness flowed in my heart. They are going to overwhelm me with their cuteness if I don't do something. Fast.

"Sigh..." I could not say no to them after all that cuteness they are giving me.

"Then would you mind locking up Michael?" I looked over to Michael, "And Abigail, you should head towards the others and check on them." I said as I looked over to Abigail.

"Ok." And they hurried along.

I suppressed my giggle. They were so cute!

"Hey everyone, mommy is home!"

I made my way to the kitchen though I had to pass through the living room. I hardly even reached the kitchen when their hurried footsteps made their way to me. They blocked my path making it harder to move forward.

Oh well. It looks like I have to sort this one out.

After long pleads and greetings, I finally managed to reach the kitchen and finished dealing with the luggage. I let them play in the living room as I made dinner, listening to their laughter in the kitchen.

One of them walked fast towards me after escaping being caught from playing tag. She started climbing the stool to reach the grey soapstone countertop where I was cutting vegetables. After having her seat, she placed her head on the countertop and smiled up at me.

She chirped, her husky voice vibrant and breathless with excitement, "Wotch we hafi for shiha mommy."

"Yeah, what is it?" John said as he climbed on the unblemished couch, and the old springs groaned as he started to bounce.

"Hey, don't bounce on the sofa!" Abigail said as she made her way to him.

Her face scrunched with disapproval, her eyebrows forming a solid line as she pointed at the sofa. Her nostrils flared as she prepared to repeat her command.

"I said get off that sofa!"

He didn't move; instead, his voice a sing-song taunt as he plonked his weight down even deeper into the pillows, "Why not. Hahaha! This is fun!"

She fixed him with a stern-browed glare, her tiny jaw locked in a rigid set of indignation. As her anger seeped through her, realising he won't give in to her command, she crossed her arms, tapped her foot on the oatmeal mat and frowned.

"Hmph!"

Michael was opposite the two of them close to the other couch; he listened attentively as he tapped both hands on the carpet playing with his younger sister.

"Now look what you did. You made Abigail angry." He glanced over to her.

"Get down that sofa and apologise to her, John." He stretched out his hand, "Come here."

"A-wuuuu-wiiiii!" She let out a piercing, bird-like shriek, her palms slapping the carpet as she hauled herself forward, a trail of happy bubbles following her wake.

As soon as he saw her tiny limbs start to churn, he clapped to bridge the distance between them, urging her forward with every strike of his palms. With only one wobble to go, she reached out a chubby hand to touch his foot. He didn't let her finish; instead, he reached for her and scooped her into his arms, rewarding her hard work with a giant hug as she squealed in surprise.

"That's a good girl." A chorus of bright giggles and his own booming laughter filled the room; their shared laughter vibrating between them in a moment of pure, joyful chaos.

John, after watching the spectacular display between the two, he stopped midair and fell on the couch with a thud.

He tucked her against his chest as he turned to look at them. On the other hand, John descended from the beige couch and faced Abigail. He tucked his chin to his chest and mumbled a pouted, "I'm sorry."

She remained as she was. She refused to say anything let alone look at him.

"Abigail..." Michael said urging her as little Fridah looked up at him.

In a mischievous way, she sneaked a one-eyed look at him to gauge his expression.

"Well alright. Apology accepted." she said as she rolled her eyes mischievously.

"Now hug each other to fix your bond as siblings." said Michael. Little Fridah raised her baby arms to touch his face.

They both looked at each other. They were reluctant at first, but proceeded with it. Abigail opened her arms wide and snickered, "What can I do. You are my little brother after all." as she emphasised on 'little brother', a wry smile plastered on her face. John's face brightened unexpectedly as he ran to her and embraced her. She returned the hug squeezing him tight.

Michael sighed. "Well, that's settled." he said as little Fridah busily played with his face.

He looked at her as she was aiming for his nose. With a slight touch from her baby hands, she giggled. He realised what she was doing and did the same. She laughed. Her giggles were so contagious that Abigail and John moved closer to them. Michael brought his face close to hers and brushed their noses together. Her giggles made them laugh all together and they indulged in her playing.

We watched from the kitchen what partook in the living room.

"I wanna shu it too..." Martha said as she got down from the stool and headed towards the others, her wobbly legs almost giving up on her.

I watched them get together, a smile forming at the corner of my mouth.

It may not seem like it, but these are my children... "Alright kids, food will be ready in ten minutes. Clear your toys and belongings and put them away to make space." they are my pride and joy and I'll risk everything to protect them, even if I have to die for them then so be it. An image of a conversation on the matter played at the back of my mind.

"What makes you think I'll go..." ... "Just because..."

A headache started to make its way through my skull.

Why did I have to remember it now especially "you" at this memorable time. You've got some way to destroy a beautiful moment for a man I don't even know his name. Who does he think he is, popping into my thoughts without a welcome. And how dare you my thoughts for not filtering him out of my brain. The only job you were given is to remind me of the beautiful times and not bring a thought like that that would ruin someone's day and mood.

My anger seeped through me, as it drained in the room forming a fog. My mumbles like chants trying to summon a ghost that will appear from my witch pot I was mixing as I added ingredients. I didn't hear as they said, "YES MOM!" in unison for my concentration was on the bubbling of the potion.

The hem of my midnight blue skirt was tugged slightly and I was jolted back to reality. I turned on the right to see what happened. Michael looked up at me. All the dark clouds that hang in my head disappeared, a smile forming on my face.

"Yes sweetie, what is it?"

"Can I take the dishes out?"

For a second thought, I thought he saw I was behaving in an unusual manner, but I guess not. I sighed in relief.

I raffled his sandy hair as he closed one eye, a tiny smile emerging from his pink lips.

"Of course you can! Provided you don't drop and break them." I placed my right hand on his cheek. He nodded as his blue eyes glinted in the light. Blue.

I released him from my touch and he headed for the cabinet. He took the wooden step stool that was placed at the first slight corner of the U-shaped kitchen peninsula.

"Wait let me help you." I said as I lowered the heat of the stove. I dried my hands on my brick-red apron as I headed to him. I removed the dishes that will be used for dinner and placed them on the worktop.

"There you go. Now do be careful." I said as I turned to face him.

"Yes mom. I will." He took some of the plates and went.

How adorable.

...

Everyone gathered around the table for dinner. Their wide-eyed smiles, laughter and conversations filled the living room. Their restlessness never really calmed down during dinner. I placed little Fridah on her baby chair that was at the front facing the others and put on her bib.

"There." She smiled at me after I was done and gave a "buu-baaaa!" sound.

I turned to look at the others but they were not yet settled. I clasped my hands together to get their attention.

"Alright kids, settle down, settle down. I have something really important to discuss with you all."

"Is it reaaaally important." Martha said in her quirky but adorable voice.

I turned to face her. "Yes, it's important." I replied to her in her same tone.

"Reaally reaally reaaaaaal important." She went on.

"Yes it is." I gave her a profound look.

"If it is that important, can it wait for later? I'm starving." As soon as he said those words, his stomach growled. "See, even my stomach is agreeing with me."

"John!" Abigail said on his left side. Soon after her stomach betrayed her and growled too. Heat flushed her cheeks. Struck by the finality of defeat, she bowed her head, embarrassment creeping over her.

"What did I tell you." John said, gesturing at her, "The food looks tasty and I don't think any of us would listen mom." His calm but firm voice didn't portray any rude behaviour. His words were honest and came from the heart.

My babies. I fake cried in my head. How much they've grown.

John started picking on Abigail who later tried to brush him off as he was becoming annoying.

I took a breath, still clasping my hands and said, "Ok! Since everyone is very much hungry, I'll make it brief and short." They all looked at my direction.

"As you all know why I left home early this morning, and prepared this delicious feast for all of us to enjoy... Yesterday (7th May) was a very special day for a certain someone. The man who will rule this household. And as of today, they turn 7 years and a day old. So in order to celebrate his birthday, I prepared all his favourites and we'll eat them together." I gestured around the table. Their mouths drooling. Thinking it was the signal, they reached out to grab their spoons.

"Ah-ah! I'm not yet finished." I gestured with my index finger.

"AHHHHHH!" they said in unison.

"Now where was I..., ah yes... And to commemorate this day," I turned on my right to get the light blue carrier bag behind little Fridah's chair, "I bought something for him... for you my love." I brought the carrier bag close to him. He stared at it then at me then at it again. Confusion and a tinge of happiness was written all over his face.

"..."

"Go on..." I urged him as I brought the bag closer.

After what seemed like a long time, he took the bag from me. The others moved closer to get a look at it.

"What is it what is it," John said.

"Show us," Martha said.

"Hey, move your head. I can't see!" Abigail said as she moved to John.

He opened the bag and pulled out a wrapped box. He let the bag fall to his side and placed the gift on the table.

He looked at me with nervousness in his eyes. I nodded my head at him.

With a deep breath, he tore at the wrappers revealing a box beneath it. He placed his hands firmly at the lid. He began to lift it, his hands shaking profusely. Once it was above his chest, the others zoomed in to take a look. He reframed from looking. He knew if he did, his hopes might be shuttered.

The others exclaimed loudly and wanted to touch it. Upon hearing their voices, he moved the cover to the side slowly, his heart pounding. When his left eye caught a glimpse of it and as he was moving it out of the way, his eyes became wide.

He dropped the cover.

He immediately gasped, his eyes bright with excitement.

He picked the book from the box and examined it. It was the book he wanted. The book he once brought up and told his mom after seeing it in a commercial shown on t.v in his neighbour's house. The book he pleaded to have but was denied. The book he gave up on for the sake of his siblings. It was right here, in his hands, staring at him. The images of those times swirled in his head like a hurricane. His eyes soon began to burn. The pent-up tears urging their way to fall to his cheeks. He sniveled.

I just looked at him, at them. Seeing how happy they were made my heart ache. A tear ran down his cheek. My heart broke into a million pieces.

"Sweetie, what's wrong?" I looked at him with a worried expression. He quickly wiped it away as if it was never there.

Another began its way down his cheeks. Another. Then another. I almost left my seat but he said, "It's nothing. It is just that I'm really happy you bought it for me."...sniff..."I'm so thankful from the bottom of my heart, mom. Thank you for the birthday gift." He plastered a smile on his face, his eyes closed; he smiled whole heartedly with his face.

This only made my heart ache even more. The others just stared at him, their faces on the verge of tears. I didn't even realise that I made my way to him and hugged him. I startled him with my embrace.

"Oh Michael..." I squeezed him even tighter, "You know I'll do anything I can for you kids to bring a smile on your faces."

"Mmmmh-mmmmh" he tugged on my blouse tightly, his mumbles faint.

"You mean the world to me."

"Mmmmh-mmmmh" is all he could say as he nodded his head.