At The Door

A soft nudge against her arm pulled Zara from her deep sleep.

She groaned, shifting on the couch, but the tiny hands persisted, patting her cheek this time.

"Guys, come here. I told you not to wake her up," Nana's hushed voice scolded.

Zara blinked, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. As her vision cleared, two familiar faces came into focus—Ezra and Ella, both grinning at her with mischievous delight.

A warm smile spread across her lips. "Hey, little cuties. You're back already?"

Ella pouted, crossing her arms. "Mummy, we've been back since the afternoon."

"It's evening now," Ezra added helpfully.

Zara pulled them away, smiling. "I know sweetheart. School closes in the afternoon," she explained, thinking they had mistaken the time again. 

"No, Mommy, it's evening now," Ella repeated.

Zara sat up abruptly. "Evening?"

Nana chuckled as she drew the curtains open, letting in the dim orange glow of sunset.