Did she show up to test me and take them home when she saw I’d left them alone?
I pull out my phone to call her when I hear a clatter from the kitchen, followed by a muffled giggle.
Relief floods through me.
Following the sound, I find myself at the kitchen entrance.
The pristine space has been transformed into a disaster zone.
Flour dusts every surface like fresh snow.
A carton of eggs sits open, several broken on the counter, yolks dripping onto the floor.
In the center of it all, three flour-covered children stare up at me with wide eyes.
"We got hungry," Rocco explains, holding a wooden spoon covered in what appears to be pancake batter.
Adalina, face streaked with flour, looks on the verge of tears. "Are you mad?"
I can imagine the cook would be pissed.
But looking at their anxious faces, I feel only overwhelming love and guilt for leaving them alone.
"I'm not mad. This is my fault. I’m sorry I left you. I shouldn't have done that."
"It's okay," Rocco says with a shrug. “Work is important. That’s what mom says when Uncle Dom can’t spend time with us.”
The casual acceptance in his voice breaks something in me. "Not more important than you three. Never more important than you."
I take in the kitchen, not quite sure where to start the cleanup. "I'm still figuring out how to be a dad. I might mess upsometimes. But I promise I'll always come back, and I'll always put you first."
"Can we still make pancakes?" Elio asks hopefully.
I laugh. I wish I could change emotional speeds like they can. "Okay. I make pretty good pancakes."
We spend the next two hours cooking, eating, and cleaning.
Every now and then, I’d get a text from Nic, but most of it was updates, nothing I needed to address.
Later that evening, I switch on Adalina's butterfly night light, leaving just enough glow to keep the shadows at bay.
“Sleep tight, Princess.”
“Goodnight, Daddy.”
Then I head to the boys’ room. “You two sleep tight.”
“Are we going to the winter festival tomorrow?” Rocco asks.
“Yes.”
“Will you skate with us?” Elio’s eyes are hopeful.
“Absolutely.” I smile at their excitement. "Your mom will meet us there."
After final good nights and promises of festival fun, I retreat to my bedroom.
The house feels different with them here.
