When the Incubus Calls

Homework

As I lead him into the house my heart was racing.

"Sarah, we're hungry!" The twins called out in unison.

"Y'all can have a light snack to get by until I make dinner, okay."

"Yes ma'am" they said in unison.

They ran to the kitchen coming back with an apple each. I couldn't help but just stare at them reminiscing on the days when they were just babies. I just stood there with a smile on my face lost in the past.

"They grow up fast."
I shook out of my trance and turned to Michael.

"I'm sorry,what? Oh yeah. They do. I still remember the day they were born. Mom smiling and holding both of them. We didn't know that the first would be the last. She got to see Dad and I hold the twins and we got a family photo. The only one of all five of us. That was the only day he ever held the twins. It was the beginning of me having to step up and raise them."

"I'm so sorry to hear that." Michael said as he wrapped his arms around me.

The embrace was so warm, welcoming, and tight. I felt as if I could just start crying and let all the stress and worry leave.

"I've never told anybody that before."I muffled into his chest

"We should probably go start on the homework." I said as I pulled out of his embrace.

"That might be a good idea. Lots to do." He chuckled.

"Alright kiddos I'm going to be in my room if y'all need anything. Y'all need to start on y'all's homework as well. I want y'all to either be at the table or on y'all's room working on it. Understand?

"Yes ma'am" they yelled out with their mouths filled of apple.

"Thank y'all, but what did I say about talking with your mouths full?"

"I'm not talking with my mouth full." Apollo
"Not to do it." Artemis
They responded in unison.

"Did he just quote..."

"The Labyrinth, yes. He did." I said cutting Michael off.

Michael just started laughing.

"Alright stop encouraging the boy." I said with an annoyed face.

With that comment we continued up the stairs. I went to say something but realized I didn't hear Michael behind me. I turned to see him staring at our last family photo.  I couldn't help but notice how mesmerized he was by the photo and yet I saw a glimpse of sadness in his gaze.

I'm not sure what broke his gaze of the photo. Maybe realizing it was quiet. Possible because I had stopped walking or he thought he had fell behind. Either way as quickly as he came out of the trance I turned and headed back up the stairs before he could notice I was watching him. We finished up the stairs and got to my bedroom door.