Big Sister Energy

The soft hum of monitors and the filtered morning sun through the hospital window created a cocoon of calm. Lucy rested back against the pillows, her arms wrapped around two tiny bundles. Every so often, she'd glance down and just marvel — how did I make them?

Tim was standing by the window, rocking slightly on his heels, quietly texting updates to Angela. Then came a gentle knock.

"That's them," Lucy whispered, heart lifting.

Tim opened the door to find Angela with Charlotte at her side, her curly hair tied up in mismatched pigtails, her backpack still slung over one shoulder, and an excited grin dancing on her face.

"There's my girl," Lucy said warmly, motioning for her.

Charlotte rushed in, slowed only by the sight of the tiny babies cradled in Lucy's arms. Her eyes widened. "They're here?"

"They are," Tim said with a smile, coming over to her. "Come meet your baby brother and baby sister."

Charlotte climbed carefully onto the hospital bed next to Lucy, gaze fixed on the little faces bundled in soft pastel blankets. "There's two..."

"I know," Lucy said with a soft laugh. "A surprise for all of us."

Charlotte leaned over, peering at each of them. "They're really small."

"Want to hold your sister?" Lucy asked.

Charlotte nodded quickly, awe written all over her face.

Tim gently guided her arms, and Lucy transferred the baby girl into her lap. Charlotte held her with delicate care, her voice barely above a whisper. "She's so warm."

"What do you think of the name... Naiomi?" Lucy asked.

Charlotte looked up, a little breathless. "That's so pretty."

Lucy smiled. "We thought so too."

Tim leaned in closer, nodding toward the baby still in Lucy's arms. "And this little guy? His name is Tyler."

Charlotte looked between the two, a sense of pride blooming on her face. "Naiomi and Tyler. I like that. They sound like they go together."

"They do," Lucy said, brushing a hand over Charlotte's hair. "Just like the three of you."

Charlotte grinned, carefully rocking Naiomi just the tiniest bit. "I'm gonna protect them forever."

Tim chuckled. "That's a big job, kiddo."

"I'm a big sister now," Charlotte replied seriously. "It's what I do."

Angela smiled from the corner, blinking back emotion. "She's going to be amazing at it."

And in that little hospital room, surrounded by love and gentle beginnings, Lucy felt the gravity of it all — the life she'd built, the family they'd become.