"Please tell me, Mom. Did you hire a storyteller that night?"

"I didn't. Why would I?" I chuckled, placing a pile of pancakes on a large plate when Luka asked. "It was me, sweetheart," I responded with a smile. It was actually the nth time that Luka had asked me this question, but I never grew tired of reassuring him.

Avery and Theo both emerged from their rooms, rubbing their sleepy eyes. "What's all the commotion about?" Avery asked, yawning.

Theo joined in, adding, "Yeah, why are we talking about bedtime stories?"

I glanced at Luka, who looked relieved to have his siblings join the conversation. His blue eyes were...