Ready

When Angella arrived home, a burst of laughter and giggles greeted her. The sight of her kids playing hide-and-seek with her mother brought a smile to her face. Back when they lived abroad, the kids had no one but her, and though she had done her best, there were times when she wished they could experience the warmth of an extended family.

Now seeing her mother crouched behind the sofa, trying to muffle her laughter while Julianna and Kevin tried to find her felt very heart warming.

"Found you, Grandma!" Kevin exclaimed, excited. Julianna, clapped her hands in delight, jumping up and down on her short legs.

"You both are getting too good at this game," Millie Becker, Angella's mother teased the kids, ruffling their hair. 

"You need to find a better place to hide, grandma," Julianna giggled, lovingly wrapping her arms around Millie's waist.

"Oh, is that so?" Millie teased, crouching down to Julianna's level. "Maybe next time, I will hide in the closet or under the bed."

Julianna gasped. "Under the bed? That is a scary place, Kevin doesn't even look there"

"Hey, that's not true," Kevin pouted his lips. 

Angella stood by the door with a smile on her lips. Moments like these felt like a gift, especially after years of raising the kids on her own abroad.

Her mother caught her gaze and smiled. "Angella," she exclaimed, rushing towards her. She pulled her into a hug. "I am so happy, you are finally home." 

"I missed you too, mom," She hugged her back and sighed. Being home after so long felt very nice. 

"Mommy," Kevin and Julianna rushed towards her as well. 

Angella crouched down, wrapping them in a warm hug. She brushed a small strand of hair away from Julianna's face. "Did you both eat?"

The kids nodded unanimously. 

"Grandma made us steak," Julianna exclaimed, rubbing her small tummy. "I ate a lot." 

"That's great," Angella exclaimed. "Grandma makes the best steak, doesn't she?" 

"There is more if you want." Millie offered, knowing that the kids wouldn't say no.

"Maybe a small piece," Kevin said, looking at Angella. "Mommy, can I eat a small piece again?" 

"Of course you can honey." She ruffled his hair. "Let me freshen up first, okay?" 

Kevin's face lit up as he ran back to the kitchen with Julianna close behind him. Their giggles echoed down the hallway, and Angella couldn't help but smile as she stood.

"They are growing so fast," Millie said softly, watching the children disappear. "It feels like only yesterday you were their age, running around this house. And now, look at you—" She gently caressed Angella's face. "You are already a mother." 

Angella sighed, glancing around the familiar walls. "It feels like a lifetime ago. Sometimes I wonder if I did the right thing, moving so far away." There were multiple times in the fast where she considered moving back with the kids but the time didn't feel right. 

She wasn't sure if the kids were big enough to handle the life that waited for them in the city. More than the kids, she wasn't sure if she was ready. 

"You did what you thought was best," Millie reassured her, placing a gentle hand on her arm. "You gave them stability when things were uncertain. But I am glad you are back. They deserve to know where they actually belong. They need to feel the love of family." 

Angella nodded. "I missed you mom," she admitted, giving her another hug. 

"I missed you too," Millie gently patted her back. "I am so happy you are finally back."

Angella smiled before stepping toward the stairs. "I'll just freshen up. Keep an eye on them for me?"

"Always," Millie replied, her tone light but full of promise.

As Angella ascended the stairs, the sounds of laughter and the clatter of plates drifted up to her. It wasn't just a house anymore—it was home. She was finally back home. 

And the first time in years, she felt at peace.

…..