Couldn't But Had To

Their faces lit up with joy as they recognized their mother's arrival, and they eagerly rushed into the living room to greet her.

"Mom!" Axel exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement. "You're finally back!"

Mia, equally thrilled, chimed in, "We missed you, Mommy!"

Nora's heart swelled with love as she embraced her children tightly. "I'm sorry I couldn't come home yesterday," she whispered, her voice tinged with regret.

Axel, wise beyond his years, looked up at Nora with a reassuring smile. "It's okay, Mom. What matters is that you're here now and you're okay."

Mia nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with affection. "Yeah, what's important Is that you are here, we love you, Mommy!"

Touched by their understanding, Nora felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. She gently brushed a strand of hair behind Mia's ear and turned to face Alice, who had stepped out to welcome her.

With tears of appreciation welling in her eyes, Nora approached Alice and enveloped her in a heartfelt hug. "T