Diena grinned.“That’s what they are called.I forget.”
Ithal kept hugging her.The baby must have kicked because he jerked in surprise.
“Does it know who I am?”
“Of course, Ithal.I have told it all about my courageous brother, and I reminded it last night about the fact that our family is quiet but brave, and when there is a need, we can act.”
He beamed and then said, “What kind of stuff did you bring?”
She grinned.“Open the bags and find out.”
Alody smiled and hugged her daughter.“You are looking good.Nice flush to your cheeks.”
“Yeah.I feel warm constantly.My ankles aren’t puffy, so that’s a win.”
Alody smiled and walked her to the table.“What do you want?”
“Those twisty ones and a chocolate croissant.”
Ithal got plates and set the selected offerings on it in front of a chair.Diena grinned.“First family meal in four years.”
Alody felt a warm feeling in her chest.“My little ones.”
Diena beamed at her, and Ithal did the same.
Alody laughed and got some decaf coffee for Diena and chocolate milk for Ithal.They sat around and had their breakfast together.
Ithal pelted Diena with questions, and she answered them all.
Alody smiled and learned that, while she was currently working at Z-Corp in the commissary, she was a trained and certified paralegal.She had been in Askalla for ten years in total, and she had been released from the capitol.They had released her because she didn’t seem to manifest any activation.She did have her mother’s activation and woke for need.
Diena said, “So, Ithal.What are you doing today?”
He grinned.“Mom says we are going to a playpark.”
Diena smiled.“Are you or your friend early activators?”
Ithal blinked, and he nodded slowly.“Yes.”
“Well then.”Diena reached into the crossbody bag and pulled out some hard chits.“Here you go.Try this one.It has regular play structures and some try-your-strength stuff that can be fun and not threatening.It’s only been open for a week, so it won’t be busy.”
Alody blinked.“Is that the one on Harcourt?”
“Yes.”
“I didn’t think it was open yet.”
“Apparently, now was the time.”Diena grinned.Her com chimed, and she picked up her empty plate and carried it to the dishwasher.
“I have an appointment this morning, but when I am done, if you want, I can join you at the park.”
Ithal grinned.“That would be great.I want to show Vaken that I have a grown-up sister.”
Diena tapped her wrist.“Okay.My transport is on the way.It is the only perk I kept from the contract.Hauling this belly around has been hard the last few weeks.”
Alody smiled.“I have heard that.You are doing well?”
“I am doing fine.I needed to know so that I know whether I want to do it for my own child.”She smiled.“As long as labour isn’t terrible, I wouldn’t mind doing this again.”
