Stay with us, Mama
Midnight. The hour of rest for most normal beings. For me? It was the hour of despair.
Rhiannon and Rowena, my darling twin daughters, were still wide awake, bouncing with unholy energy as if the night had only just begun.
Their giggles echoed in the dimly lit nursery, punctuated by the occasional thud of a block being thrown or the slap of little feet against the wooden floor.
"Girls," I said, pinching the bridge of my nose and leaning against the doorframe.
"It's time for bed. You know, bed? That nice, comfy thing where you close your eyes and give your poor mother a break?"
Rhiannon gave me a toothy grin, holding up her stuffed fox like it was a weapon. "No bed! Play!"
Rowena, not to be outdone, picked up her blanket and tossed it over her sister's head. Rhiannon shrieked with laughter, her muffled voice calling out, "Monster! I'm a monster!"