Friends

‘Mummy!’ Jennie bounded over and jumped onto the bed. She gave Kira a fierce hug that had her mother wince in pain. ‘Hi, honey.’ Kira stroked the girl’s back and reached for Joshua’s hand. ‘Hi, sweetie.’ All three were in tears. Kira kissed her babies’ cheeks and inhaled their sweet scents. They’d both grown taller and bigger. Their hair was longer. Austyn coaxed Jennie off the bed. ‘Come on, honey, Mummy’s injured and hurting.’ Jennie climbed down reluctantly but refused to let go of Kira’s hand. ‘Mummy, you are not going to leave us again, are you?’ ‘No.’ Kira smiled through her tears. ‘I’m not leaving you or your brother ever again, I promise.’ ‘Pinky swear?’ ‘Pinky swear.’ Kira locked her pinkie with that of her daughter. The family of four spent the entire afternoon together. Kira played games with the kids while Austyn occupied a desk and worked. He had emails to reply, deals to negotiate, but he was not leaving his family’s side. Dinner was brought by Kai. Kira didn’t have much