#Chapter 70-A Better Norm

“Miss Esme!” The chorus of the two kids calling my name is a feeling nothing else in the world can compare to. They run into the apartment, both wanting to give me a hug. Their giggles and smiles are powerful, making me want to melt into a happy puddle. “Girls!” I cheerily call back, squatting down to give them both big hugs. Even though I was just with them earlier this afternoon, the hugs and their presence are needed. I’m so happy to see their little faces in my apartment again. “Can we see Sammy?” Tris asks, holding a doll in her hand. “Sure thing, he’s in the bedroom. Go find him, he’s lounging.” The girls’ laughter fills the apartment, the patter of their little feet rushing down the hall to find my cat, making me so glad to see them again. “Sorry we took so long. Tris didn’t want to get off the swings. Sometimes there’s only so much you can do, right?” Derek’s eyes are bright, but when he and I make eye contact, he seems to pull back a little, almost as if s