The twins were slowly fading away, but their father didn’t understand why. Before leaving, he installed cameras to make sure nothing was threatening the children. But when he saw the footage, he took the first flight back immediately…

The new day promised to be the beginning of a different life, a life without fear and illness, without slow fading, a life in which the children would run, laugh, and enjoy every day again. Thank you, Leon simply said, for saving my children. The first days after what had happened were hard for everyone.

Leon often woke up in the middle of the night and went to check on the children, standing for a long time by their beds, listening to their steady breathing. Rebecca stayed at the house, needing to finish the course of restorative therapy. Marcus regularly brought news of Tiffany.

She started to realize what was happening. He told her over evening tea. There’s positive progress.

When the attacks subside, she cries and asks for forgiveness, and the children ask about her. Quiet? Rebecca asked. No, Leon shook his head, but sometimes I notice how they look at her closed door.

Life is gradually improving. Thomas and Carl became more active every day. Rebecca, are we going to build a castle today? Thomas asked at breakfast.

Building with blocks was great for developing fine motor skills, and then they could play pirates, a game for strengthening leg muscles. Leon watched in surprise as his sons transformed, and one evening he heard Carl call Rebecca mom. Rebecca blushed but said nothing, just hugged the boy tighter.

You know, Leon said one evening, as they sat on the porch after dinner, I suddenly realized that for the first time in three years, I don’t feel that endless anxiety. It’s like a heavy stone has fallen off my soul. Rebecca smiled.

That’s right. Life goes on. The children need to live life to the fullest, have fun, be mischievous, sometimes even spoil themselves.

Are you not leaving? He suddenly asked, and there was anxiety in his voice. I mean, I understand the treatment is ending. But I won’t leave, she simply replied, unless you ask me to.

At that moment, with cries of hooray, the boys ran out onto the porch, waving their homemade paper airplanes. Their laughter, bright and pure, echoed through the garden, and it seemed that all the shadows of the past were retreating before this joyful, lively sound. Meanwhile, Tiffany was slowly returning to reality in the clinic, learning to live with the awareness of what she had done and the hope for forgiveness.

Maybe someday, she told her psychiatrist, gazing out the window at the blooming hospital garden. Autumn was slowly giving way to winter. On one of those evenings, when the first snow had already covered the ground, they were sitting in the living room after putting the children to bed.

The fire crackled in the fireplace, creating a cozy atmosphere. You know, Leon began thoughtfully, staring at the flames. I’ve wanted to say this for a long time.

Lately, I’ve noticed how everything around me is changing. The house is filled with life again, the children are happy, and I. He fell silent, searching for the right words. Their eyes met, and something unspoken hung in the air.

Dad, we’re thirsty. Thomas’ voice came from the stairs, and the moment was interrupted. Rebecca got up first.

I’ll get it, she said. In the kitchen, she ran into Alice, who was getting ready to go home. Darling.

The housekeeper smiled as she put on her coat. How wonderful that you’ve come to us. Leon has become a completely different person.

The next day, Marcus came. Noticing how Leon was watching Rebecca, he smirked. You know, my friend, sometimes the most important things happen when we least expect them.

What do you mean? Leon asked, trying to look confused. Come on, I can see it, and the children can see it too. Yesterday, Carl asked me if Aunt Rebecca could become their real mom.

Leon froze. You said it depends on you and Rebecca, but I think they would be happy. That evening, Rebecca was getting ready for her weekly meeting with colleagues from the hospital.

I won’t be long, she said as she put on her coat. Wait, Leon took her hand. Stay.

Not as a doctor, but just. Stay, there was such a plea in his eyes that Rebecca’s breath caught. I started.

I know there’s professional ethics, I know you came here as a doctor. But don’t you feel it? We’ve long become something more than just patients. From the stairs came the sound of giggles, the boys were peeking from behind the railing.

Dad, kiss mom, Carl yelled, and both brothers spread their arms. Leon held her hand, and his fingers trembled slightly. You know? She said quietly.

Maybe sometimes you just have to follow the call of your heart, even if it goes against professional rules. He smiled. Even if? Especially since my patients are now perfectly healthy…