30

Meghan pursed her lips then gestured toward the backseat with her head.

I glanced back, remembering that the kids were there, and saw that Emily and Ethan had fallen asleep in the backseat.

They looked so peaceful, their little chests rising and falling with each breath. I could not help but smile at their innocence and the way Ethan head gently lolled to the side as I carefully lifted him into my arms was adorable.

Meghan led the way, guiding us through the dimly lit hallway towards the children’s room. We moved silently, tiptoeing as if any noise could shatter the tranquility of their slumber.

It was a delicate dance, navigating the unfamiliar surroundings while ensuring the kids remained undisturbed.

Just as we reached the doorway of their room, a creaking sound echoed through the apartment, threatening to wake the little ones.

Meghan’s eyes widened in alarm, and we froze, holding our breath. The silence that followed was almost suffocating, and I silently willed the kids to c