Lara: It warmed her heart and served as a reminder how forgiving children could be. Once she walked through the door surprising them they immediately ran into her arms greeting her with hugs. She hadn’t seen nor spoke with her nieces in 3 years at the time Olivia was 8 and Katherine was 6. Spending the day with them playing dolls, doing hair and nails, and learning the latest dance moves she was amazed at how much they had grown. Olivia now 11 spoke of John a boy in her 5^th grade class who she had a crush on and Katherine couldn’t stop talking about the upcoming science fair at school. For the girls they loved their aunt and followed her every move around the house. Although, she enjoyed her time with them deep down she felt terrible for being absent from their lives for so long.

Olivia: Please Aunt Lara!?

Katherine: Yes, pretty pleeeeaaasee!? We promise not to make a mess!

Lara: [staring at them] Now, how can I say no to two of the most beautiful girls on Earth of course princess pancakes coming up!

Olivia & Katherine: [cheer in unison hugging her]

Olivia: While you finish waking up were going downstairs to set up come on Katherine! [she says climbing down from the bed.]

Katherine: [still hugging her] I love you Auntie Lara.

Lara: [choking back the tears] I love you too.

Katherine: [finally ending the hug drops down from the bed following behind her sister out the bedroom door but quickly turns around.] Aunt Lara?

Lara: Yes sweetie?

Katherine: Will Aunt Dana be joining us for breakfast too?

Lara: [hearing Danas name she caught herself before responding] Uh, no sweetheart unfortunately she won’t be making this visit but I talked to her and she sends you both her love.

Katherine: [disappointed] Oh…..tell her we love and miss her too.

Lara: I will.

Katherine: See you downstairs!

Lara: [watching her disappear she admitted to herself her sister was right with everything going on between her and Dana it felt good to be home surrounded by family.]

Once she was sure they were nowhere in sight she crawled to the edge of the bed and sat there thinking. Hearing Katherine mention Dana her heart felt heavy not only did she miss her but her presence was missed by her family as well. Although, she was the one cooking the pancakes it was Dana who provided the entertainment altering her voice mimicking each princess voice. Hoping a quick shower would help clear her head she makes the bed, grabbed a change of clothes, and entered the bathroom.