Chapter 39

Manning’s household was one filled with bubbles of ecstasy and hope for years. It was a close-knit family known in the neighborhood for its amiable and welcoming culture. They had lived in Atlanta ever since their first child was born, releasing streaks of sanguinity right after her first cry. They named her after her late grandmother, loving her more than anything else as she was the first surviving child after a series of miscarriages.

Charlotte was born without any complications which was a gift to the Mannings as they had frequented the hospitals more than they wished, the pungent smell of hospital antiseptics clinging onto them for years.

Seeing their healthy infant dart around the house left them desiring for more, hence they gave parenting another shot two years later with the same level of hope that the second try would be as fruitful. Ever since she had her scan done, Mrs. Manning spent her trimesters preparing for the arrival of her twins as her heart leaped in immense joy.