back to the current moments.
By 6 p.m., the house was slowly emptying.
"Bye bye, kids! Be good!" one of the guests called as they waved at the twins.
Xia and Xayden waved back, laughing and calling their new friends' names, still full of energy despite the long day.
"Mom, they're leaving… when's the next party?" Xia asked, tugging gently at my sleeve.
"Hahaha, maybe another time, baby," I replied, smiling.
One by one, the guests said their goodbyes: Nic, Ying, Aaron, Yushen, and Xavier. Each gave quick hugs and waves, wishing me well, before heading out.
Soon, only the twins and I were left in the living room, toys scattered around, the remnants of snacks and laughter from earlier.
And then Maxine stayed behind.
"Looks like it's just us now," she said, dropping her bag by the sofa.
I smiled.
"Yeah… finally, some peace."
The twins ran upstairs to their room, still chattering about the day's fun. I could hear Xayden teasing Xia about something trivial, and Xia shrieking in laughter.
I shook my head softly and turned to Maxine.
"They're such little hurricanes," I said with a small laugh.
"I can see that," Maxine replied, grinning. "But you… you handle them so well. I don't know how you do it."
I shrugged, smiling faintly.
"You get used to it. And… you get patient."
Maxine's expression softened, and she looked at me seriously for a moment.
"Anna… can we talk for a minute? Just you and me?"
I nodded, feeling a mix of curiosity and calm.
"Of course," I said, gesturing toward the kitchen.
We sat at the small table by the window, the light from the late afternoon fading gently. Outside, the city hummed quietly, but inside the house, it felt like the world had slowed.
"You know," Maxine began, "I'm glad I got to see all this today… you, the twins, even… everyone you invited. It's like… you've built this whole life."
I smiled softly, looking down at my hands.
"It's been a lot of work," I said. "But it's worth it. Especially when I see them happy."
Maxine leaned back, studying me.
"And… you, Anna? Are you happy?" she asked quietly.
I paused for a moment, thinking about everything—the housewarming, the twins, the friends, Yushen's subtle presence in the background today… and all the complicated feelings it stirred.
"I am," I said finally. "I really am. Even if some things… some people… are still complicated."
Maxine nodded, understanding.
"I get it," she said gently. "And… I know you've always been patient, Anna. With everyone… with him too."
I sighed softly, the memory of Yushen flickering in my mind.
"Yeah," I admitted. "Sometimes patience feels like the only choice… even if it's hard."
Maxine reached over and gave my hand a quick squeeze.
"You've got this. You really do."
I smiled, grateful.
And for a brief moment, the chaos of the day, the memories, the emotions—they all seemed to pause.
Just me. Maxine. And the quiet hum of the house after everyone left.
💛