Amelia glanced at her watch as Ariel continued to ramble about Brad's racing trophies. The kids had been talking for what felt like half an hour, and Alan still needed his treatment tonight. She tried to be patient, but the longer they chatted, the more the clock seemed to mock her.
"Okay, story time is over," Amelia finally said, rising from the chair. "Alan needs his rest, and you three should have been in bed ages ago."
The triplets groaned together, their tiny shoulders slumping in defeat.
"Just five more minutes?" Adin asked, though his timing could not have been worse. A yawn slipped out, betraying him instantly.
"Nice try." Amelia smiled faintly and tapped his nose. "Say goodnight to Alan."
The trio shuffled forward, their steps slow but their manners returning at the last possible second.
"Goodnight, Uncle Alan!" they chorused, voices heavy with the kind of drowsiness that made everything sound softer.
