You More Than Anything In The World

Arissa's eyes crinkled into a smile when she saw their faces on the screen.

“Sweethearts, what are you guys up to?”

The children's faces were covered with white flour. Arissa wondered what they were doing.

“We're making ravioli, Mommy! We'll bring them to you once they're done!” Oliver said.

“Mommy, look at the ravioli I made. Aren't they pretty?” Jesse asked.

The little girl salivated at the sight of the appealing ravioli.

Arissa smiled. “They're splendid. Sweetheart, make more for me, all right?”

“Okay!” Jesse was overjoyed, her face red from the compliment she had just received.

“Mommy, we might be a bit late. If you're hungry, then have some fruits first,” Zachary said.

Gavin, Tim, and Jasper were engrossed in making ravioli.

“Sweethearts, there's no need for you to come to the hospital tonight. Spend time with Great-grandaunt at home,” Arissa said softly.

The moment the words left her mouth, six little faces crowded the screen in protest.

“Mommy, we miss you. We haven't seen you all day today. Let's have dinner together and then we'll head home!” Jasper said with a pout.

“Mommy, we miss you so much!” Gavin said, his eyes wide.
Arissa's eyes crinkled into a smile when she saw their faces on the screen.

“I miss you guys too, but it's such a hassle for you to keep running about. Stay home today and keep your great-grandaunt company. Then do your homework after dinner. It's not good for you guys to keep visiting the hospital. There's a lot of germs here,” Arissa said.

The children are free to do whatever they want at home. It's pretty boring here and they're going to waste their evening just like that.

“You guys can video call me if you miss me, or you can visit me tomorrow morning,” she said in an attempt to soothe them.

The six children pouted in disappointment. Arissa felt the urge to give them a huge hug.

She managed a smile and said cheerily, “Don't be sad, Sweethearts. Aren't I video-calling you guys right now? We're still seeing each other this way. I don't want you guys to come because I'm worried. I want you to relax at home and visit me tomorrow. It's just for a night.”

“Don't bother explaining to them. Just rest!” Benjamin couldn't bear to see her talking to them any longer and snatched the phone, ready to end the call.

“Ah! I'm sure Daddy's the one trying to stop us from going to the hospital! It's not Mommy's idea at all!” Gavin grumbled. “How domineering!”

“I knew it. Why wouldn't Mommy want us to go to the hospital? Mr. Graham is so bossy!” Zachary complained.

Benjamin was rendered speechless.