As I pulled up to the familiar school gates, I could already see them—Ruby and Rhett—standing by the gatepost with their little backpacks slung over their shoulders. Rhett was the first to spot me, his face lighting up like a beacon.
“Mom’s here, Ruby!” he exclaimed, tugging at her arm and stealing her attention away from her classmates.
I smiled as I saw the twin faces brighten. “Mommy!” they chorused, springing from their seats and waving goodbye to their friends. They dashed towards the car, their laughter filling the air as they climbed in, Ruby’s school bag swinging wildly as she slipped into the backseat.
“Hey, Munchies,” I greeted them with a grin, using the nickname they had known since they were toddlers.
“Hi, Mom!” Ruby beamed.
“Hey, Mom,” Rhett added, his smile a little quieter, but no less sincere.
They fastened their seatbelts, something I had taught them to do without needing a reminder. It always made me proud to see how much they’d grown, even in the small things.
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