PARKERDownstairs in our little apartment, things settle into a familiar rhythm—movies, microwave popcorn, warm fleece blankets piled too high. The kids pick something animated and overly musical, and I let them. I don’t have the energy to debate plot holes in a show about magical woodland creatures solving interpersonal drama through song.If only humans had it so easy.Lyra curls into my side, her head tucked beneath my arm. Levi stretches out at my feet, using my calf as a pillow.I don’t even bother changing out of my jeans. I just sink into the couch and let myself be theirs again, fully. Not Parker the assistant, not Parker the mess tangled up in three men’s lives—just Mom. Their mom.The knot in my chest loosens again, just a little.Halfway through the movie, I have to pee. I wait as long as I can, not wanting to break the moment, but eventually I shift Lyra off me with an apologetic kiss to her forehead and shuffle down the hallway to the bathroom.It’s the third time tonight
Last Updated : 2025-12-06 Read more