Warmer somehow.
I check my phone for any updates on the warehouse situation, then change into sweatpants and a T-shirt.
I'm just settling into bed with some paperwork when a small knock sounds at my door.
It creaks open to reveal Adalina, stuffed rabbit clutched to her chest, eyes wide with fear.
"Adalina? What's wrong, Princess?"
"There's something moving in my room," she whispers. "And noises."
Before I can respond, two more small figures appear behind her, Rocco trying to look brave and Elio hiding behind his brother.
"We told her it's just the wind," Rocco explains, "but then we heard it too."
My first instinct is to check the security system, but I know all about shadows and being in strange houses.
"Do you want me to check your rooms?"
Three heads shake in unison.
"Can we stay with you?" Adalina asks, her voice small.
I hesitate, unsure of the protocol here. Would Elena approve?
But their expectant faces make the decision for me. "Of course you can."
They scramble onto my king-sized bed, instantly claiming a great deal of territory despite their small bodies.
I’m relegated to one corner.
"How about a story to help you sleep?" I offer, settling in.
“I want my mommy.” Adalina’s little face crumples.
I look at the three expectant faces around me, feeling a strange mix of jealousy and resignation.
They want their mother, the person who's been there for every nightmare, every fever, every moment of their lives.
Not me, the father they've known for all of a week.
I reach for my phone. "Let's call her. I bet she'd like to say goodnight too."
The phone rings twice before she answers. "Everything okay?" Her voice is immediately concerned.
"The kids are having trouble settling down. New place, strange shadows." I try to keep my tone light, but my wounded pride bleeds through. "They asked for you."
"Put them on speaker," she says softly.
I hold the phone out as the kids crowd around it.
"Mommy, my room is huge but there's scary noises," Adalina says immediately.
"And monsters," Elio adds.
"I told them it's just trees," Rocco interjects, clearly wanting to appear brave.
Elena's laugh flows through the speaker and it strangely lessens the tension I’m feeling.
