Skyler read with such animation, his voice ringing out clear and strong.
A round of applause followed. "Skyler, that was awesome," they cheered.
Skyler cocked an eyebrow, smirking. "Didn't stutter once."
"Spot on, perfect!" Aurelia gave him a thumbs up.
"Skyler, you'll nail that job interview," Kane encouraged.
William flashed a grin. "Of course, Skyler's the best."
Just then, little Nova had a stinky diaper. A faint scent of shit wafted through the air. Aurelia scooped her up, smiling, and took her inside to change her diaper and clean her up.
"Our little bum's a tad red, sweetie. I’ll put some baby talcum powder on it."
Nova was eager to rejoin her siblings outside. Her bright eyes kept looking toward the window as she babbled, seemingly pleading, "Hurry, hurry, I wanna play!"
Aurelia kissed her tiny feet. "Hold on, pumpkin, we're almost done."
Nova beamed a toothless smile, utterly adorable, melting Aurelia's heart. She lifted the child gently and stepped back outside.
Sheryl arrived with Nina and Mira in tow.
Skyler set up a little classroom outside. The kids played students, and he played teacher, engaging in mock lessons.
Though Nova didn't understand a word, she found joy just by watching her cousins and kept clapping and giggling.
Aurelia joined Sheryl and Lisa at the table by the window, sipping coffee and chatting.
The villa overlooked a lake, and the breeze that blew across it carried a refreshing coolness, far more pleasant than any air-conditioned room could offer.
"It's been two months. How come Leopold is still at the hospital? Any news on his condition?" Sheryl pondered aloud.
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