TIARA THORNELLS
Even in my half-asleep state, I frowned, my brows furrowing as the soft whispering voices reached my ears. Giggling followed that sounds light, mischievous, unmistakably childlike.
“You little troublemakers!” came Adrian’s voice. “I told you to leave her alone! She’s still sleeping!” he whispered.
The voices quieted, but the giggles didn’t vanish entirely.
Slowly, I opened my eyes, blinking against the soft light of morning. My vision adjusted, and there they were, several children, kneeling in a row on the wooden floor, all gathered beside the sofa I had slept on.
Their curious eyes sparkled as they stared at me in complete fascination.
I sat up slowly. “She’s awake, Adrian!” one little boy shouted with excitement.
“Ugh, see? I told you not to wake her!” Adrian ap
