Kamille’s POV

As the bright morning light filtered into my room, I fluttered my eyes open. It felt so good and warm to be home.

I stood up and went into the bathroom. I looked at my reflection in the mirror and sighed. “Hey girl,” I murmured, “you’ve been through so much, and you can pull through this. You’ve come this far; you definitely can’t give up.”

After my pep talk, I showered and dressed. I needed to check on my kids and get them ready for the day. I put on black shorts and a sweatshirt, slipped on my flip-flops, and left my room, phone in hand.

I approached Tyris’s room. “Hello, love,” I said, reaching for her hand.

“Good morning, Mummy,” she replied in her sweet voice. I smiled.

“How’s Mummy’s baby feeling this morning?” I asked, placing my hand on her forehead.

“Good as new,” she said with a cute smile.

I chuckled. “We’ll let the doctors be the judge of that, okay?”

“Okay, Mummy.” She replied. I squeezed her little hands and ran her a bath. Once she was freshened up, I settled her on the small couch in her room and went to the boys’ room.

Royer and Torin were playing with bricks, while Roen worked on a jigsaw puzzle. “Hey, boys,” I called, and they gathered around for a hug.

“Good morning, Mummy,” they chorused.

“Good morning, boys. You all seem to be doing well?” I teased.

“Yes, Mummy! I even beat Torin at building bricks!” Royer announced.

“I let you win,” Torin countered.

“No, Mummy, I won fair and square!” Royer insisted, and a playful argument ensued. I looked over at Reon, who had been quietly watching.

“How are you, Reon?” I asked warmly.

“I feel good, Mummy. How’s Tyris?” he asked. Reon was always such a caring older brother.

“She’s fine and waiting for you boys,” I replied, ruffling his hair.

Hearing their sister was ready, Royer and Torin rushed to shower and dress. I followed them out, but they hurried ahead to get Tyris. Reon waited for them before walking behind. My baby was growing up so fast!

They settled in the living room, chattering and playing while I went into the kitchen to make breakfast.

A few minutes later, my phone rang. Checking the caller ID, I answered. “Hello, Chris.”

“Hello, Miss Kamille. How are you doing?” He spoke calmly.

“I’m good, Chris, and uh, I think I’m okay with just ‘Kamille,’” I replied. Since he’d been so helpful and friendly, it felt unfair to remain formal. He chuckled.

“Alright, Kamille,” he replied teasingly.

“Yes, Chris. How are you?” I asked, turning off the oven’s timer.

“I’m good too. I thought I’d stop by later to visit you and the kids. Is that okay?”

“Oh, Chris, you’re welcome anytime,” I replied, taking the cake from the oven to cool.

“Alright, Kamille. See you around.”

“See you too, Chris.” I hung up.

I placed the cake on a cooling rack and prepared scrambled eggs and cheese, pancakes, and hot milk. Breakfast was ready in no time, and the kids dove in. The doorbell rang, and I answered it.

“Hello, Dona,” I greeted Nanny Dona.

“Hello, Miss Kamille. I trust you had a good night,” she said with her usual warm smile.

“All good. And yours?” I asked.

“Definitely.” We returned to the dining room, where the kids excitedly greeted her.

“Alright, kids, let’s finish breakfast,” I said. We ate together, including Nanny Dona.

After breakfast, I cleaned up while Nanny Dona took the kids upstairs for stories. I planned to homeschool them for now; I couldn’t bear anything happening to my children under my watch.

After cleaning the dishes, I settled on the sofa and checked my phone. I had an email from the car dealership. Finally! My first choice wasn't available, but I'd selected an alternative. Now I just had to wait for the car.

The doorbell rang again. That must be Chris. I opened the door and ushered him in.

“Welcome to my humble home, Chris,” I said, after a brief hug.

“I’m glad I made it,” he replied, grinning.

I took him to the living room. “Would you like anything? Water? Soda? Wine? Money?”

He laughed. “Water is fine.”

I got him a glass of water. “How’s it going? Where are the kids?” he asked, setting the glass down.

“They’re upstairs with the nanny,” I replied.

“Oh, that’s okay. I hope they’re getting better?” His eyes didn’t leave mine. Whoosh! That was a little uncomfortable.

“Yes, they are. The doctor will check in tomorrow,” I said.

“Does that mean they won’t be missing much school?” Chris asked with an unreadable smile.

“Uh, about that… I think I’m going to homeschool them for now, to let things settle down,” I replied.

“That’s an amazing idea,” Chris said. “I could provide you with private teachers.”

“Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that. How much would it cost? Maybe one or two—I don’t want my home overrun with strangers,” I inquired.

Chris was silent for a moment. “Two should be okay. And your bill is zero bucks.”

“Come on, Chris, I can’t accept that. That’s too much of a favor.”

“No, Kamille, I want to help. I may not have much to offer, but let me do this, alright?” His tone softened.

I nodded. “Thank you, Chris. This means so much.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Thank you for stopping by, and please, bring your kid next time. I’d love to meet him.”

Something flickered in his eyes, then vanished. “Sure,” he replied.

“You know, I’m actually going to the police about the attack,” I announced.

“Don’t do it,” Chris said immediately, and I frowned.

“Why?”

“I’m sorry, but I’ve seen similar cases. It often escalates things, and the police rarely find the culprits.” He looked serious.

“Oh, I hadn’t thought of that,” I said, considering his point.

“I know, and that’s why I’m here to help.” His expression softened.

“Thank you again.” I was truly grateful.

“You’re welcome, Kamille.”

He stayed a while longer before leaving.