Ariel trudged through the front door, her exhaustion evident in every step. Her babies, Star and Moon, toddled towards her, their eyes shining with excitement, knowing their mother’s return meant food and comfort. Ariel’s fatigue momentarily vanished as she scooped up her little ones, her heart overflowing with love. However, her enthusiasm was short-lived, as a sharp pain reminded her of her gym ordeal. She winced, and her stepmother, Whitney, chuckled knowingly.
“No pain, no gain!”
Ariel playfully rolled her eyes.
“I’m never going back there again.”
Whitney disapproved, but Ariel was resolute.
After feeding and putting the twins to bed, Ariel gazed at their peaceful faces, her mind drifting to Sky. She couldn’t shake off the feeling that he was still alive, somewhere. The hospital
