April 2024

Keeley and Aaron sat next to each other at the twins' spring recital, trying their best to keep the younger children quiet. Oliver, not yet five, and Nathan, whose third birthday had passed just a week prior, were far too squirmy and uninterested in their older siblings' singing. The age gap between the two was closer than Keeley had anticipated—managing two babies simultaneously was challenging—but she was grateful for Nathan. They were officially done having children.

The Singletons, seated beside them, seemed to mock their predicament with smug smiles. Both their children participated in the recital, allowing them to relax and enjoy the performance.

At least the Quinns were also suffering. Liam was onstage, but their two-year-old daughter, Elsa, was attempting to escape.

The families had chosen the same school for their sons' kindergarten enrollment, a decision Aiden claimed stemmed from laziness rather than careful consideration of other options. Aiden could only afford private school tuition because Nova's graphic design business had become unexpectedly successful. Alice and Roger's children, as well as Kyle and Selena's, attended public school.

The fourth graders took the stage to sing, with Violet performing a solo. Cameron held onto Nathan, who was trying to run, allowing Aaron to film Violet's performance. Keeley gave Oliver her phone (muted) to play a game on, enabling her to watch as well.

Violet sang beautifully, eliciting huge, proud smiles from her parents. She had always been musically talented, singing, playing piano and violin, and taking ballet—a pursuit inspired by the music of ballerinas.

Needless to say, the Hales attended many recitals and sporting events. Kaleb played a different sport each season, enjoying them all, though little league baseball was currently his favorite. He was quite good, and his coach frequently praised his pitching.

Keeley was exceptionally busy, especially since returning to work at the start of the school year. Nathan insisted on attending preschool with his brother, despite still being two years old. Fortunately, a spot opened up in a class for younger children.

Her dog trials were progressing well, though she still had at least a few months before completing her research paper and moving on to studying monkeys—the final step before focusing on humans. The thought sometimes overwhelmed her. Her dream was so close, yet she didn't want to get ahead of herself. Living in the moment was crucial; her children would only be this young once.

After Violet's song, Keeley clapped until her hands hurt, cheering enthusiastically. Violet, blushing slightly but with a proud smile, heard her parents' cheers.

When the recital ended, Keeley hugged her children. "You both did great! And your solo was the best, Vi."

"Thanks, Mom!" they chorused.

"Did you video it, Dad?" Violet asked eagerly.

Aaron smiled proudly. "I did. We can watch it again at home, if you like."

"Ooh, yes!" she exclaimed.

"Good job, Sissy," Oliver said, hugging her. "You sounded pretty."

He had called her "Sissy" since infancy; "Violet" was difficult for a baby to pronounce, and he often heard others use "sister." The nickname stuck. Nathan, mimicking his brother, also called her Sissy, a name she didn't seem to mind. At least "Sissy" was better than "Kiwi," Keeley mused with a smile, remembering a past incident.

"Thanks, Ollie," Violet said, looking around. "Where's Noah? I wanted to ask him what he thought of my solo."

Before Keeley could answer, Noah launched himself at Violet. He grinned wildly. "You were awesome! Nobody sounded better than you, Vi."

She smiled, returning his hug. "Thank you! You really think so?"

"Uh-huh. You sing even better than my mom," he said seriously.

"You better not let her hear you say that," Keeley chuckled.

Jennica, after Logan started preschool, had returned to acting and landed several significant Off-Broadway roles. One talent scout was so impressed that she helped Jennica join the actors' guild that included many Broadway stars. She was currently rehearsing for a Broadway show premiering the following month. While it was an ensemble role, she was ecstatic, knowing how difficult it is to reach Broadway. She'd thoroughly gloated to her mother.

Fear flickered in Noah's dark eyes. "Please don't tell her, Aunt Keeley!"

She tousled his hair. "I won't. I was only teasing."

Relieved, Noah resumed chattering about the recital. "You were definitely the best solo, but I liked the third graders' song too. And did you hear Logan? He was the loudest kindergartner!"

Keeley watched them fondly. Noah was far more talkative than Violet, but she always had a tolerant smile when he spoke. It oddly reminded her of her relationship with Aaron.

Despite different interests, they always found common ground for conversation. For the past couple of years, whenever the Hales and Singletons went to the park, Violet and Noah could be found talking on the swings. Keeley was consistently surprised by the philosophical nature of their conversations, which seemed entirely random.

Unlike Violet, whose focus was music, Noah had diverse interests. Jennica had often complained about his numerous abandoned activities.

His only consistent activity was karate, which his mother appreciated for its energy-releasing benefits. Logan had followed suit, starting karate over the summer. He enjoyed it, though his form needed work.

Keeley had been right; the two years of mostly separate activities had benefited them. They both expanded their horizons. Noah had more friends, and Violet, though still shy, had focused on her instruments.

Their closeness was now healthy. They still sought each other out when their lunch periods coincided or their families gathered, but they no longer panicked when apart. They were growing up.