Chapter Thirty-six.

Natalie woke up to the warmth of her husband's side. She smiled, feeling the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he breathed. She leaned over and kissed him softly on the lips. "Good morning," she whispered.

Nathan stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He smiled back at her, his voice husky with sleep. "Good morning, hon."

Natalie's heart swelled with love for this man, her partner in every sense of the word. She kissed him again, then threw off the covers and got out of bed. Nathan watched her go into the bathroom, a sleepy smile still on his face.

As Natalie made her way out of the bathroom, she called out, "I'll head out now. Get ready for breakfast."

Nathan murmured a response, but Natalie didn't catch it. She was already thinking about her daughters, wondering what kind of morning they would have today, after the event from the previous night.

Natalie made her way downstairs, starting her morning routine. She put on a pot of coffee and began making breakfast, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon filling the air. But as she moved around the kitchen, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Usually, Catherine would be up by now, chattering away as she worked for the day.

As the minutes ticked by, Natalie's concern grew. It was unusual for Catherine to sleep in this late. She was always an early riser, eager to start her day. Natalie wondered if maybe Catherine was feeling unwell, or if what happened the previous day was weighing her down.

She decided to head back upstairs to check on her daughter.

Natalie climbed the stairs, her footsteps quiet on the carpet. She made her way to Catherine's room, pushing open the door slowly. "Catherine?" she called out, but there was no response.

The room was empty, Catherine's bed unmade. Natalie's concern deepened. She checked the bathroom, thinking maybe Catherine was in there. But she wasn't. Natalie's thoughts turned to Lina. Maybe Catherine was with Lina?

She walked down the hall to Lina's room, her hand reaching for the door handle. She pushed the door open slowly, and what she saw took her breath away. Lina and Catherine were curled up together, sleeping peacefully in each other's arms. It was a rare sight, one that filled Natalie's heart with joy.

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she gazed at her daughters. She remembered when they were younger, how they would cuddle up together on the couch, watching movies or reading books. It was a special bond, one that she hadn't seen in years.

For a moment, Natalie forgot to breathe. She forgot to worry. All she could do was drink in the beauty of this moment, this fleeting glimpse of sisterly love. Slowly, she backed out of the room, shutting the door behind her with a soft click. She left them to their peaceful slumber, a smile spreading across her face.

She made her way back into the kitchen, with a heart filled with fulfillment. 

This could be good for Lina. Coming out of her cocoon was going to help her fight depression and she just might return back home to them eventually. 

Natalie finished making breakfast a few minutes later, and was setting the table when Lina and Catherine made their way downstairs. 

'Good morning, sleepy heads.' She voiced. 

'Good morning, mom.' Lina muttered. 

'You're done with the chore?' Catherine blurted.

'Yes, honey. I didn't want to disturb your special moment with your sister.' Natalie stated with a broad curve on her face.

'You were in my room?' Lina asked, approaching the dining table with Catherine, to take a seat. 

'Yes, baby.' Natalie responded, moving closer to Lina. 

She sat beside her at the table, reaching for her hand.

'You have no idea how glad I was to see you both sleeping peacefully in your room, like you used to.' She smiled, shifting her gaze to Catherine as she spoke.

'You both have made me happy. So happy.' She proclaimed. 

'I'm glad we made you happy, mom.' Lina spewed, drifting her eyes to Catherine beside her.

'Where's dad?' Catherine asked out of the blue.

'Here I am, darling.' Nathan replied before Natalie could, climbing down the stairs.

'Good morning to you all.' Nathan said to his family. 

'Good morning, dad.' Catherine responded. 

'Good morning, sir.' Lina chipped in, diverting her attention back to the table.

'Let's eat.' Natalie rejoined after Nathan took a seat also.

As they had breakfast, Nathan's gaze fixed on Lina, making her feel uncomfortable. 

He wanted to ask about her health, but he didn't know how she was going to react to that.

His curiosity got the best of him, when he blurted. 

'How are you feeling today, Lina?'

'I am fine. I feel better today. Thanks for asking.' Lina replied with a grin, which made Nathan feel glad.

That was the very first time in 15 years he was seeing his daughter with a curve on her face while addressing him.

A mild smile formed on his face as well, as he thought of it.

'That's good to hear.' He pointed out, and Lina nodded.

After which everyone went back to having their breakfast quietly.

Lina felt extremely pleased that her mother did share the news of the scenery from her bedroom with her father.

She didn't want him feeling like she had opened her heart up again, or as though that was going to make her stay back.

He told her in the past, that she was going to get over her ordeal and she hoped to prove him wrong.

After breakfast, Catherine helped clean the dishes, while Lina cleaned the table.

Nathan got dressed to meet up with his team for a brief meeting in town, while Natalie set out to get some groceries. 

After they were done with their chores, Catherine reminded Lina about their plan to run around in the garden.

'I was hoping you'd forget.' Lina scoffed, rolling her eyes.

'Forget?' Catherine snapped, rolling her eyes back at her sister.

'I looked forward to playing in the garden than I have to anything else in the last 10 years.' She proclaimed. 

'What?! Really!' Lina expressed in awe.

'Yes, Lina. Really.' Catherine nodded. 

'Let's go now that everyone is out.' She added, interlocking her arm with Lina's. 

'Of course.' Lina whispered, walking out to the garden with Catherine.