You More Than Anything In The World

Seeing the children's curiosity about the rocking chair, Arissa smiled and asked, “Would you like to give it a try?”

“Yes! Yes!” Jesse clapped her hands in joy.

The three little ones were particularly eager to play, but the three older ones were mindful of Arissa's discomfort, knowing she couldn't stand or sit for too long.

Seeing Arissa about to get up, both Zachary and Tim each pressed on one side of her, making her lie back down.

“Mommy, you can't stand up. Please lie down!”

“Mommy, you should lie down. When you're tired of lying down, then you can play with the others!” Gavin reminded Arissa.

“Mommy's fine now. You guys don't need to be so worried. I've been resting for quite a while,” Arissa said, feeling warmed by her children's concern.

“That won't do. You should just lie down. Otherwise, why would Daddy have bought you such a rocking chair?” Zachary became serious, his little face as solemn as his father's.

Arissa was caught between laughter and tears. With Benjamin not at home to keep an eye on her, it was the children's turn to do so. “I had your father buy this rocking chair because I found it comfortable.”

“Mommy, you just rest well. We can wait until you're no longer lying down. Grandpa's house has one as well!” Oliver, thinking about his mother's poor health, didn't want to push it any further.

“All right, Mommy. You just lie down. We won't play anymore!” Jasper and Jesse echoed in agreement.

Arissa patted their little heads. “Did anything interesting happen at school today?”

The six little ones exchanged glances, thinking of Regan, that grudge-bearing grandfather.

“Mommy, we had regular classes. Nothing interesting happened!” Zachary said with a beaming smile.

Gavin glanced at Zachary, puzzled as to why Zachary was keeping it from Arissa.

“Do you have homework?” Arissa looked at the six of them. Apart from the worry about Tim and Jesse's studies, she didn't need to worry about the other four. However, Jasper was a bit too playful and needed constant supervision.

“I have no homework,” Jesse replied with a gleeful smile, absolutely delighted.

Seeing her so happy, Arissa couldn't help but laugh. “Do you really not have it, or are you just pretending?”

“We really don't have any homework!” Oliver laughed.

Arissa nodded, fetched some snacks for them, and said, “Go on and play. You don't need to stick around me!”

“Mommy, isn't it nice to have us around? Are you annoyed by our noise?” Jasper asked, pouting his little mouth as he munched on something.

Arissa gave him a sidelong glance, teasing him, “I just asked you to keep me company. Can you sit still?”

“I can sit still!” Tim said, grinning at her. Seeing her at home, the little one was in high spirits.

Arissa was filled with contentment, fondly ruffling Tim's hair. “Tim is the cutest!”

Tim blushed.

“Haha! Tim is blushing, Mommy. You should praise him more!” Jasper laughed heartily.

Tim felt even more embarrassed when Jasper laughed at him.