Morning light spilled across the cozy living room. Stripes of gold fell on the soft rug. The house felt warm and still, waiting for the day to begin.
Rihanna stepped into the doorway, arms wide open. 'Hug time!' she called. Her three little ones scattered like startled butterflies. One dashed behind the sofa. Another tugged her wrists toward the toy box. The baby wrapped her leg like a clinging vine.
She chased them down the hallway, laughter bubbling. She caught the first child with a tickle attack. He squirmed and melted into a soft pile of blankets.
'Toasts are ready!' called her husband from the kitchen. The smell of warm butter drifted through the air. But the baby had crawled onto his high chair, banging a spoon against the tray like a drum.
Rihanna lifted the baby onto her hip. She wiped strawberry jam from his cheek. 'Alright, my busy bees,' she said. 'Let's eat.' Her children tumbled into their seats beside her.
They gathered around the small wooden table. Toasts were golden and buttery. The baby gnawed on a piece with sticky fingers. Sunlight made everything glow.
The husband handed out glasses of orange juice. The youngest child giggled as a drop fell on his chin. Everyone laughed together.
After breakfast, the living room filled with the sound of toys being sorted. The house was alive with happy noise. A puzzle waited on the coffee table, ready for play.
