"Mommy, happy birthday."
Coco and Xiaoxiao ran up to her, each grabbing one of her hands.
"Coco, Xiaoxiao," Shen Ning choked back her emotions.
"Mommy, we made a birthday cake for you. Quick, make a wish," Xiaoxiao said, her head held high and a joyful smile on her face.
"Mommy, we added honey to the birthday cake. It's really sweet," Coco nodded, taking off her bag and handing it to her.
"Thank you, my dear children," Shen Ning bent down to embrace the two little ones, planting a loving kiss on each of their little faces. She couldn't help feeling guilty; if it weren't for her, they wouldn't be up so late.
She took their tiny hands and led them to the dining table. The candlelight flickered like stars and moons in the night sky, dispelling the darkness and warming her heart.
"Mommy, make a wish quickly," Xiaoxiao exclaimed excitedly, clapping her hands.
Coco chimed in, "Mommy, make the most beautiful wish."