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came to him, as he had never accepted my rejection. Or it could be because I was so far from the packhouse and everything I had left behind. I had never even been intimate with anyone since leaving him. I didn't doubt that he had had more women than I had had hot dinners these last four years, though. As I stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around myself, I gasped when I felt a leg move beside me. Then I noticed that Nathan had snuck onto the bed and fallen asleep. I must have been so tired that I had not woken to him. Spending a few moments staring at my sleeping child, I thought about just how lucky I was to have my twins. They were my reason for living, my motivation to keep going even when things got tough. I loved them more than anything, and I would do anything to make them happy. With a smile on my face, I got dressed and headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for my little ones. As I cooked, I hummed a tune to myself, feeling grateful for life's simple pleasures. Even though my days were busy and often stressful, I knew I was blessed to have such wonderful children to care for. And so I went about my day with purpose and love. No matter what challenges lay ahead, I knew I could face them with the strength and determination that came from being a mother. After I finished cooking breakfast, I went back to the bedroom to wake up Nathan. I gently shook him awake and kissed his forehead. He looked up at me with sleepy eyes and a smile, and I knew everything would be okay. As we sat down to eat, Nadia ran into the kitchen, her pigtails bouncing behind her. She climbed onto the chair next to Nathan and gave me a big hug. I felt a warmth spreading through my heart, knowing that I was loved and apprecia