Baby bishops

Chapter 1

"Mommy?" Max asked, playing with the toy fire truck Maya had gifted him.

"Yes, my little love," she replied, running her fingers through his blonde curls.

"Why are we here?"

"You and Rustle need your flu jab," she said gently, avoiding the word needle.

"What's that?"

"It helps stop you from getting poorly."

Rustle waddled over from the play area. "Mommy, how long we wait?"

"Not much longer, buddy," she answered—just as a nurse approached.

"Rustle and Max Bishop?"

"That's us," Maya replied, standing and taking both boys' hands.

Carina, the nurse, greeted her. "You must be their mother? Maya Bishop?"

"Yes," Maya said as they followed her down the corridor to the exam room.

Inside, Dr. DeLuca introduced herself and shook Maya's hand. "Here for flu jabs?"

"Yes," Maya nodded. She noticed both boys had grown quiet—Rustle chewing his nails, Max clinging to her leg.

Dr. DeLuca crouched down to their level. "What's your name, bello?"

"Rustle," he answered shyly, eventually shaking her hand.

"And you, tesoro?" she asked Max, who hid behind Maya. Carina retrieved a teddy bear and offered it to him.

"This is Fluffy. If I let you hold him, will you tell me your name?"

Max nodded. "I'm Max."

Maya smiled—Max was always the quieter twin.

"Hi Max," Carina said, handing him the bear.

"What do you say, my love?" Maya prompted.

"Sank you."

Carina prepped the room. Maya sat with Rustle on her lap, guiding him gently to relax. Max turned away, playing with Fluffy.

Carina gave Rustle the injection—he barely noticed. Max soon followed, and both boys ended up dozing in their mother's arms.

"They're adorable," Carina smiled.

"They definitely are," Maya agreed, lifting both boys with ease.

"Thank you," she whispered, as Carina opened the door for her.

After they left, Carina spotted something on the floor—a toy fire truck. Smiling, she picked it up, hoping it meant she'd see them again.