~Katherine's POV
I woke up that morning feeling the weight of the world pressing on my chest, yet somehow, there was a fragile kind of calm in the way the sun spilled through the curtains. It reminded me that life didn't stop for anyone, and no matter how heavy my heart felt, I had responsibilities, two small, lively humans who depended on me more than anyone else right now. Hanith and Jasmine. My twins. The thought of them curled in their beds for a few more minutes made me feel both protective and anxious, because I knew once they were up, the questions would begin. The same ones, over and over.
"Mommy, when is Daddy coming back?"
"Can we call him now?"
"Why is he busy again?"
I sighed softly, trying to calm myself before they even reached the kitchen. I had learned to master the art of lying gently. Not cruelly, not harshly, but just enough so that it would soothe their little hearts without breaking them.
