I collapse into the bed and let out a tired groan.

The house is quiet, and I need the peace before they wake up or before she decides that she wants me.

I honestly wouldn't mind the latter. I haven't had her in a while, thanks to the recruits.

How much sleep can I get?

Five minutes?

Ten?

I've been handling surgeries for nineteen hours straight. So much so that even as I close my eyes, I have flashes of the bodies I operated on.

A horrible profession. But, hey, it's surgery…the only medical career that allows me to legally cut open bodies.

I laugh at my own dark joke as my eyes drift off to sleep.

I hear the pitter patter of little feet.

Probably just my imagination.

“Ack!” I’m jerked awake by someone jumping on my back.

Another person joins in the attack and jumps on me as well.

“Grrr!” I growl as I turn and grab the two little miscreants by their collars.

My two princesses, giggling after being caught.

"What is with you two?!" I shake them a little and they scream while laughing hysterically.

"Sorry, Daddy," they apologize.

I set them down, and they rush to embrace me.

"Yes, yes, I know. I love you too, Daisy and Roselyn," I sigh as they plant kisses on my cheek.

"How was work, Daddy?" Roselyn asks.

"Did you work hard?" Daisy asks.

"Yes, my little minions, your father has worked well and would love to sleep now," I reply as I put the two of them on the ground.

"Aww!" They whine as I turn back into bed and cover myself up, snuggling in to get a few minutes of sleep.

Sleep is approaching, and I can finally drift off properly.

"Ack!" I jerk up as they both jump on my back at the same time.

"Why, you little…"

"Ahh, Daddy's mad!" Roselyn warns.

"Run!" Daisy says as they both get down and race out of the room.

I chase after them, but these kids are insanely fast for a couple of six-year-olds.

They make it to the kitchen and hide behind Crystal's legs.