บท 412: Chapter 412: Rehearsal

"Fee, sweetheart!" I knew Mom's voice anywhere and hurried into the foyer to find her laden down with an armload of groceries. She beamed at me as I ran to assist, liberating her from two large, canvas bags brimming over with vegetables while Daisy slipped in behind her, her own giant smile as sunny as the day outside.

Mom shook a bit of snow from her boots before slipping out of them, Daisy setting aside the box of fresh bread she held and taking Mom's lovely cream wool coat before hanging her own tailored red one in the hall closet. I caught tears in my eyes and my breath as I looked at the two of them, wanting to weep suddenly even though I was happy, so happy. Mom rushed to me and embraced me, Daisy joining us with a low cry and the three of us broke into soft sobs and giggles while Dad, his own burdens filling his arms, tall, broad body blocking most of the doorway, shook his head at our antics.