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I chuckled at the kids' enthusiasm and went to the kitchen to get everyone snacks and drinks. As I prepared the food, I could hear the sounds of their laughter and chatter in the living room. Laura was doing an amazing job entertaining the kids— singing and playing games with them.
When I returned with the drinks and snacks, I found them in the middle of a singing competition, each taking turns to showcase their vocal skills. I couldn't help but smile at the wholesome moment.
An hour later, the kids had moved operations over to Mrs. Tom's house, leaving Laura and me alone in the house. I sank into the couch next to her, feeling exhausted but content.
"You good?" I asked Laura, watching as she leaned back and closed her eyes.
"I mean, what do you feed them that gives them so much energy?" she said, laughing.
I joined in, feeling the weight of the day's activities finally hitting me. "I have no idea, but I think I need some of what they're having," I replied.
We both laughed, our eyes meeting for a brief moment before we looked away. It was then that I noticed the way the golden light was casting soft shadows on Laura's face, making her features appear even more beautiful.
"You know, you're doing an amazing job," Laura said, her voice soft and genuine. "Taking care of Amanda is not an easy task, but you're handling it like a pro."
Her words touched me deeply, and I felt my throat tighten with emotion. I had been so busy trying to not do the wrong things that I had forgotten to give myself credit for what I was doing right.
I stared off into space for a few moments, lost in thought, before Laura's voice brought me back to the present. "It's okay, Anthony. You don't have to hold back your emotions around me."
With that, she leaned closer to me, and I found myself drawn to her warm embrace. I let out a deep sigh, feeling the weight of the day's activities finally lifting off my shoulders.
We sat there in silence, wrapped in each other's arms, watching as the sun slowly disappeared below the horizon. The gentle breeze that had been blowing the curtains around earlier had now turned into a soft, cool wind, carrying into the house the fragrance of freshly cut grass.
Chapter twelve
Laura
I sank into my soft and cozy bed, letting out a contented sigh as my body relaxed. The day had been long, but it had been filled with joy and laughter—in a special way I had never experienced before. My mind drifted back to all the events of the day, and I couldn't help but smile at the memories.
I had spent the day with Amanda and her friends, a group of kids who were so full of life and energy that I couldn't help but be infected by their spirit. It was refreshing to see the world through their eyes. Everything was new and exciting, and the smallest things could bring them so much joy.
I remembered how Amanda had slipped three pieces of candy into my hands when no one was looking. The mischievous look in her eyes and the giggle that had escaped her lips had made me laugh. She had told me to keep the gift a secret from her dad because he would nag her about it. I had promised her that I would, but I knew that I would eventually tell Anthony everything later. He was the kind of person you could trust with your secrets.
I had never imagined Anthony as a dad before. He had always been quiet and soft-spoken with me, but seeing him in a room full of kids, entertaining them with his silly antics and jokes, had given me a new perspective on him. He was a natural with kids, and his daughter was a testament to that. She was smart, energetic, and full of life, just like him.
I closed my eyes and let the memories continue to play out freely in my mind, reliving every moment of the day. I remembered how we had played games and told stories, how we had danced and sang, how we had laughed until our stomachs hurt. It had been a day filled with so much joy and happiness that I couldn't help but feel grateful for it.
As I lay there, I realized how much I had missed out on in life by not spending time with kids before. They were so carefree and innocent, not burdened by the worries and responsibilities that adults had to deal with. They lived in the moment, enjoying every second of their lives, and that was something that I had forgotten to do.
But today had reminded me of that. It reminded me of the simple pleasures in life, the ones that we often overlook in our pursuit of success and happiness. It reminded me that sometimes all we needed was a day spent with kids to bring back the childlike wonder and joy that we had lost.
As I drifted off to sleep, my mind began to entertain the thought of having my kid. It had never happened.
Anthony
I sat on the couch, savoring the warmth of the sun as it seeped through the curtains. The house was filled with the sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee. I picked up my phone, the brightness of the screen momentarily blinding me as I unlocked it with my thumbprint.
A message notification popped up, and my curiosity was piqued as I read the preview.
C: I am sorry, Anthony. Can we meet?
My heart sank as I realized who it was from. It couldn't be her, not again. And how in the hell did she get my number? My stomach churned with a mixture of anger and anxiety as I debated whether to open the rest of the message or ignore it altogether.
I took a deep breath and clicked on the message. Sure enough, it was from Christine, my ex. Memories of our tumultuous relationship came flooding back, and I a sense of dread permeated my being to the core. I knew that responding to her would only open up old wounds, and I was determined to move on with my life.
Me: We can't. I can't ever meet.
I hit send and tossed my phone aside, feeling an immediate sense of relief.
