"They look so beautiful when they are asleep." Emma looked at her children sleeping peacefully and in no danger of "exploring" for the next few hours.
Being a single mother to her 7-year-old twins was exhausting. They took particular joy in playing with everything except their toys. Kian's curly hair gave him a mad scientist look. Prisha's crooked teeth, upturned nose made her look like an imp. They were not identical twins but there was a look of pure mischief that was mirrored between them. Their bodies were never still, either they were dismantling a gadget at their house or making their toys using treasures they found on the street.
She cleaned after them and went up to her bedroom to do some budgeting. The inflation was not kind to parents of children especially twins. Christmas was 4 months away, but she did not think she'd be able to buy them the presents from their list.
Well, she'll just have to give the Santa doesn't like mischievous kids spiel to them.
The next day was Sunday, the one day when she allowed herself the luxury of getting up an hour late.
She went downstairs and the scene that met her eyes caused her to pause on the stairs.
It was like a warzone in the aftermath of a radioactive Godzilla fighting with a crew of neurotic aliens.
The flour covered the kitchen liberally like an unexpected snowfall. Squashed raspberries were strewn across like little blood drops. Chocolate encrusted bowls lay on the floor like forgotten soldiers. There was steam emanating from the oven like smoke from a fired gun.
Two sheepish little monsters gave nervous giggles as they recorded their mother with their phone. They presented a pile of Oreos on a plate in lieu of a cake and said with the unabashed brightness that is only characteristic of those under the age of 10. "Happy Mother’s Day."
Emma gurgled, gave a slight smile, and hugged them.
After she'd spent the better part of the day cleaning, she sat down on the couch and her two devils came running to her.
"Mom, guess what?"
"What darling?"
"Our stream today made $5000. Now we can get you a proper gift."