the twins

The twins

Alexia gently opened the door to the twins' room, stepping inside with a soft smile on her face. Emily and Alex were fast asleep in their matching twin beds, their small hands curled up under their chins. Even in sleep, they looked so much alike, with their dark hair and bright blue eyes. Alexia's heart swelled with love as she gazed at them, so innocent and sweet.

She walked over to their beds, tucking the blankets around them and brushing a strand of hair out of Emily's face. As she turned to leave, something on the nightstand caught her eye. It was a picture of Elijah

Alexia picked up the photo, her heart breaking all over again. It was a picture of her and Elijah, taken on their first vacation together. They were both laughing, their arms wrapped around each other. It was the happiest she had ever been, and now it was just a distant memory.

She set the photo back down, trying to shake off the sadness. She couldn't dwell on the past, she had to focus on the future. She had to be strong for her children, for her new life. She had to move on.

Alexia's thoughts were interrupted by a small voice calling out from the darkness. "Mama?"

Alexia turned to see Alex sitting up in his bed, his eyes wide and afraid. "What is it, baby?" she asked, walking over to him.

"I had a bad dream," Alex said, his voice trembling. "I dreamed that a monster was trying to get me."

Alexia sat down on the edge of his bed, taking his small hand in hers. "It was just a dream, honey. There's no such thing as monsters."

"But it was so real," Alex said,

Alexia stayed with Alex until he fell asleep again, her heart aching for him. He was so young, he shouldn't have to worry about monsters and bad dreams. But she knew that he would be okay, that she would protect him from whatever came his way. She gently kissed his forehead, then turned off the light and left the room.

She went to her own bedroom, trying to get some rest herself. But as she lay in bed, she couldn't stop thinking about the past. The memories of her and Elijah came flooding back, like a tidal wave she couldn't escape. She remembered their first date

Alexia slept fitfully, her dreams full of memories of Elijah. She saw him laughing and smiling, his eyes shining with happiness. She felt his arms around her, holding her close. But then the dreams turned dark, and she saw him walking away, leaving her alone. She tried to call out to him, but he didn't hear her. She woke up with a start, her heart racing and her body covered in a cold sweat.

It was morning, and she knew she had to get ready for work. But as she showered and dressed, she couldn't shake the feeling of loss. She missed Elijah.