The Love From Vengeance

185: MEMORIES 2

ARIEL’S POV

[FLASHBACK CONTINUES]

I tiptoed quietly into my children’s bedroom, trying not to wake Janice, who was sleeping soundly in her crib. Laikel was already waiting for me, his big brown eyes lighting up as soon as he saw me. “Mommy, are you going to read me a bedtime story?” he asked eagerly, his small hands clutching his favorite teddy bear tightly.

“Yes, my love,” 1 replied with a smile, settling down on the edge of his bed. “Which story would you like to hear tonight

Luikel thought for a moment before pointing to a book on his shelf. “Can we read the one about the princess and the dragon?”

“Of course,” I told him, pulling out the book and opening it to the first page. As I started reading. Lukel snuggled closer to me, his eyes fixed on the colorful illustrations.

As 1 continued to read, Lukel would occasionally interrupt with questions or comments, showing me how much he was engaged in the story. I couldn’t help but feel proud of my little boy’s curious mind and his love for stories.

As the story came to an end, Lukel let out a contented sigh. “That was a great story, Mommy. Can we read another one?”

I chuckled, ruffling his hair affectionately. “It’s getting late, my love. We can read another one

tomorrow.”

Lukel pouted, but I could see his eyes were getting heavy. “Okay, Mommy. Can you sing me a lullaby then?”

“Of course,” I said, starting to sing his favorite lullaby. As I sang, I could feel Lukel’s body relaxing and his breathing becoming even. Before I knew it, he was fast asleep, his teddy bear clutched tightly in his arms.

I stayed for a while, watching my little angel sleep peacefully. It was moments like these that reminded me of how blessed I was to be a mother. I gently kissed Lukel’s forehead before getting up to check on Janice.

I peeked into her crib and saw that she was still fast asleep. I smiled, knowing that my husband and I were truly blessed with two beautiful children.

Satisfied that both my children were sound asleep, I quietly made my way out of their room and closed the door behind me.

2/3

It was a typical Saturday afternoon in the house, the others had gone out, so it was just the three of us right now. Lukel and Janice were sprawled out on the living room floor, their eyes glued to the TV screen. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched them watch their favorite cartoon, SpongeBob SquarePants

“Mom, look!” Lukel exclaimed, pointing at the TV. “Squidward just got hit in the face with a pie!!

Janice giggled uncontrollably, her small hand covering her mouth as she watched the silly scene

unfold.

I chuckled and joined them on the floor, sitting in between my two little ones. “What’s so funny, Lukel?” I asked, already knowing the answer.

“Squidward’s face!” he brought out, still laughing. “It’s so funny!”

Icouldn’t argue with that. The cartoon had been a favorite of mine since I was a child, and now I was passing down that love to my own kids. I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this moment, this simple joy of watching cartoons with my children.

As the episode continued, Lukel and Janice’s laughter filled the room. They were completely

engrossed in the show, and I couldn’t help but feel happy as I watched them. But then Lukel suddenly sat up, his eyes wide with excitement.

“Mom, mom, look!” he said, practically bouncing with excitement. “It’s the part where SpongeBob and Patrick go jellyfishing!”

1 smiled and nodded, pretending to be just as excited as he was. “Oh wow, I love that part!” I told him, trying my best to match his enthusiasm.

Lukel turned to Janice, who was still giggling at Squidward’s misfortunes. “Janice, you have to see this!” he exclaimed, grabbing her hand and pulling her closer to the TV.

Janice’s eyes widened as she watched SpongeBob and Patrick catch jellyfish with their nets. “Wow, that’s so cool!” she said, her voice filled with wonder.

As the episode came to an end, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me. These were the moments that made parenthood worth it. I love watching my children bond–over a silly cartoon, laughing and enjoying each other’s company.

“That was the best episode ever!” Lukel jumped to his feet, striking a dramatic pose.

“I know, right?” Janice agreed, joining her brother in his over–the–top antics.

1

I laughed and stood up, ruffling their hair affectionately. “You two are the best audience a mom could ask for,” I said, feeling grateful for their love and joy.

We turned off the TV and headed to the kitchen for some snacks. Yeah, of course, we were hungry. Watching TV was quite great, fun, and amazing. I was glad to relish these moments with my two kids; they were really lovely. I was lucky to have them in my life.

Reaching the kitchen, I opened the fridge to grab some fruits and snacks for the kids. But before I

TES MEMORIES 2.

185

could even reach for the fruits, Lukel grabbed a grape and threw it at Janice. She squealed and retaliated by throwing a cherry back at him.

I couldn’t help but laugh at their playful antics. “Alright, alright, that’s enough, you two,” I said, trying to sound stern but failing as I fought back my own laughter.

3/3

But the kids weren’t done yet. They continued to throw food at each other, laughing and shrieking with joy. I couldn’t blame them; it was a Saturday afternoon, and they were just having innocent fun.

I joined in on the food fight, throwing a couple of grapes at them and successfully hitting Lukel’s head. He looked at me with mock hurt in his eyes before throwing a piece of popcorn at my face. Janice joined in too, throwing some crackers at both of us.

Soon, the kitchen was a complete mess. There were fruits and snacks scattered all over the floor. But I didn’t care; seeing my kids having so much fun was all that mattered to me.

After a few more minutes of playing and laughing, we finally settled down and sat at the kitchen table to eat our snacks. The kids were still giggling and talking about the food fight, reliving the fun they just had.

I watched them munch on their snacks and talk, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this moment. It was just a typical Saturday afternoon in our house, but it was filled with so much love and laughter.

As the day went on, Andre and the others came back home, and the kids excitedly told them about the food fight they had. We all laughed and joked about it, making new memories to cherish. Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Andre walked to the kitchen, and he laughed immediately, looking everywhere. “Wow, Ariel, you guys did a great job around here.”

I laughed, and as I was about to speak, Lukel rushed in, advancing towards Andre. “I need to show you something.”

“Uhmm, what’s that exactly?” Andre asked him, raising an eyebrow.

“Come on, I’ll show you. Just follow me and go to my room.

Andre glanced at me, and I shrugged, smiling. He agreed, and Lukel took him to his room.