Chapter 71: New Day

Noah stirred awake in the gentle embrace of his mother, the warmth of her arms still wrapped protectively around him. The soft morning light seeped through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. He could hear the distant chirping of birds, the world slowly waking up, but what brought him the most comfort was the steady rise and fall of his mother's breathing. Her heartbeat was a soothing rhythm against his ear, a silent reassurance that she was there.

He blinked sleepily, his small hands instinctively reaching for her, as if afraid she might disappear. But when he tilted his head up, he saw her beautiful, serene face, still asleep, and the fear in his heart loosened its grip. A quiet rustling caught his attention, and he turned his gaze to see his father, sitting nearby, watching him with gentle eyes.

"Good morning, my boy," his father whispered, his voice deep and soothing.

Noah hesitated for a moment before whispering back, "Good morning, Papa."

His father smiled and leaned forward, brushing a hand through Noah's soft hair. "Did you sleep well?"

Noah nodded slowly, but his small hands clung to his mother's nightgown. As if sensing his movement, his mother stirred, her arms instinctively tightening around him. She let out a soft, sleepy hum before slowly opening her eyes. When she saw Noah's face looking up at her, a tender smile graced her lips.

"Good morning, sweetheart," she murmured, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead.

Noah felt warmth spread through his chest. "Good morning, Mama."

Before they could say more, an excited knock on the bedroom door was followed by a burst of giggles. His sisters, unable to wait any longer, barged in, their eyes shining with mischief and love.

"He's awake!" one of them cheered.

Before Noah could react, he was surrounded. His sisters climbed onto the bed, pulling him into a pile of hugs, ruffling his hair, and showering him with morning kisses. He let out a small laugh, his heart swelling at their affection. Even though he was still adjusting to their love, a part of him was beginning to crave it—to feel safe within it.

"Okay, okay, let him breathe!" their father chuckled, gently pulling them back.

His mother sat up, still cradling Noah in her lap. "Did my baby have sweet dreams?"

Noah hesitated for a second before nodding. "Mm-hm. But... Mama, can we all stay together today?" His voice was quiet, almost as if he was afraid the answer would be no.

His mother and father exchanged a knowing look. Then his father gently took Noah's small hand in his. "Of course, my boy. Today, we are all yours."

His sisters cheered, delighted that they would be spending the whole day together.

Noah's face lit up, though a small part of him still held onto doubt. "Really? No work?"

His mother kissed his cheek. "No work. Just family time."

A sense of relief and happiness washed over him. He had never had this before—a day where everything was about him, where love was given freely, where he didn't have to fight for attention or feel like he was alone.

Breakfast was filled with warmth and laughter. Noah sat beside his mother, his plate filled with his favorite foods. His sisters eagerly served him, and his father made sure he had everything he needed. He had never experienced a meal like this before—where every moment was filled with joy, where no one rushed, and where everyone made sure he was happy.

But as much as he enjoyed the moment, a shadow still lingered in his heart. His mother, as always, noticed. She placed her hand over his, her touch gentle. "Sweetheart, what's wrong?"

Noah lowered his gaze. "Mama… will we really always be together?"

Silence fell over the table. His sisters stopped their playful chatter, and his father put down his cup of coffee. It was a simple question, but one that carried all of Noah's deepest fears.

His mother turned his chair slightly so she could look directly into his eyes. She cupped his face in her hands, her thumbs gently stroking his cheeks. "Noah, my love, we will always be together. No matter what happens, no matter where we are, you will always have us."

His father placed a firm yet reassuring hand on Noah's small shoulder. "You are our son, Noah. Our love for you will never change."

His sisters surrounded him, nodding eagerly.

"Even if you try to hide, we'll always find you!" one of them teased playfully.

"Even if you go on an adventure, we'll be right behind you," another added.

"You'll never be alone again, little brother."

Tears welled up in Noah's eyes. Their love felt so big, so overwhelming, that he didn't know how to hold it all in his tiny heart. He sniffled, trying to wipe his eyes, but his mother pulled him into a tight embrace.

"I love you, Mama," he whispered, his voice trembling.

She held him even closer, pressing a kiss to his hair. "I love you too, my baby."

His father joined, wrapping them both in his strong embrace. "We all love you, Noah."

His sisters piled onto them, making the hug even bigger. "We love you, little brother!"

Noah let out a small laugh through his tears. He was loved. Truly loved.

The rest of the day was magical. His family took him to the places he loved the most—the park, the aquarium, and even a bookstore where they let him pick out as many books as he wanted. Every moment was filled with laughter, games, and a kind of happiness he had never known before.

By the time they returned home, Noah was exhausted. His small body felt heavy with happiness, and as his father carried him inside, he rested his head against his shoulder, sighing in contentment.

That night, as he lay between his parents once more, his mother ran her fingers through his hair, humming softly. "Did my baby have a good day?"

Noah, half-asleep, murmured, "The best..."

His father kissed his forehead. "Then sleep well, my boy."

His mother and father whispered in unison, "We love you, our baby."

Noah, safe and warm in their embrace, smiled softly as sleep took him. For the first time, he truly believed—he was never alone, and he never would be again.