Chapter 161

The children and I didn't make it downstairs until slightly past 10 a.m. It had been an incredible night, courtesy of my unexpected visit from my cousin, Samuel , who asked if he could spend the weekend with us. I was delighted to have his company, and thanks to him, we stayed up later than usual, engaging in enjoyable games, a family karaoke session, and indulging in the junk food he had brought along.

Luckily, today was Saturday, so there was no need to wake up at the crack of dawn to prepare for school and work. Samuel was still asleep on the couch in the living room where we had left him the previous night. I signaled to the girls to be quiet as we stealthily made our way to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

"What are we having for breakfast?" Anna inquired eagerly. "I'm famished!"

"Shh! Let's not wake up Uncle Samuel ," Bella admonished her sister in a hushed tone.

"I agree," I responded softly. "After entertaining us so well last night, he deserves to rest."

"Can we have eggs