Page 34 of Unravelling The Beast

Before we clean ourselves, he gives me a big, warm smile, but I notice him rubbing his tired little eyes.

"How about a nap after these are finished and cooled down?"

He nods sleepily and speaks through a yawn.

"Can we eat one first?"

"We can."

When the time comes, I remove them with an oven glove and lay them on the counter, while also warning Cree.

"Be careful, Cree; they're really hot right now. You don’t want to get burned."

To be safe, I pull him up from the stool and place him on his feet while they cool down.

When they're cool enough, I set them on the plate one by one while Cree stands on his tiptoes, peeking over the counter.

I crouch down in front of him with the plate in my hands as soon as I am finished.

"Wow, Cree! Look at what you made! Do you think we should try one?"

He smiles eagerly.

"Yes, please!"

He takes one and continues to eat it, while I giggle and take a small bite of one.

"Mmmm... so delicious!"

"That big one is for Daddy!"

"Wow! He will love that! Why don't we leave it here on the counter while we go take you for a little nap?"

He gives me a small pout with his big brown eyes.

"Can I give it to him?"

I ruffle my fingers through his curly hair with a smile.

"Of course, I'll make sure you're the one who gives it to him, okay?"

As I take him up the stairs, he lets out another big yawn.

Igaze down at my new niece in my arms and press the tip of my finger into the palm of her tiny hand before she clings to it. Her pink, wrinkled, soft skin resembles that of a fuzzy peach and her hair is thick and brown.

"She reminds me of Cree as a newborn."

My sister agrees as she watches us from her hospital bed.

"I think so, too."

I observe her as she groans in pain and struggles to sit up.

"How is Cree, anyway?"

I give a small nod before looking down at my niece in my arms again.

"Yeah, he's good."

---