The family had a great time together as the birthday party was well organized this year.

Xyla Quest and Stanley Batton returned home with Lynette Batton and Leon Batton after the party ended.

By then, the sky was already pitch dark.

Stanley and Xyla returned to their room first.

He reached out to pull his wife into his arms as soon as they walked in, pressing his chin against her head. Her familiar fragrant scent made him feel a lot more at ease.

***

The next day, Lynette and Leon were having breakfast together.

“Is Mommy awake yet?” she murmured when she hadn't seen Xyla for a while.

“She’s probably awake but too busy to come down,” Leon replied impatiently. “Are you done eating? If you are, let’s head to school.”

“All right, I’m almost done. Why weren’t you this eager to go to school previously?” his sister complained while rolling her eyes at him.

“Umm, it’s almost time. We’re going to be late,” he said with an awkward expression.

“We usually get to school just in time,