"A Moment of Normalcy"

Ashley invited Sarah to sit down on the worn-out couch, trying to make her feel at ease. As they sat down, Ashley's eyes darted to the kitchen, where she had left a small cupcake on the counter for Tyler's after-school treat. Just then, Tyler burst out of his room, his eyes shining with excitement. "Mommy, Mommy! I'm done!" he exclaimed, holding up his homework. "Where's my cupcake?" Ashley smiled, trying to play it cool, but her eyes darted to Sarah, who was watching the exchange with a warm smile. "Not so loud, sweetie," Ashley whispered, trying to calm him down. "We have a guest." Tyler's eyes landed on Sarah, and he waved shyly, before turning back to his mom. "Can I have my cupcake now, Mommy?" Ashley nodded, handing him the cupcake. "But please, eat it quietly, okay?" Tyler nodded, taking the cupcake and smiling sheepishly at Sarah. "Sorry, Mommy," he said, before taking a big bite of the cupcake. Ashley handed Chloe, who was sitting quietly on the floor, a similar cupcake, and the little girl's eyes lit up. Tyler smiled at his sister, and Ashley felt a surge of love for her two little ones. Sarah watched the exchange with a warm smile. "It's okay, I don't mind," she said, making a note in her notebook. "It's great to see you have a routine with the kids. Can I ask, how old are they again?" Ashley hesitated for a moment, before answering. "Tyler is 7, and Chloe is 4." Sarah nodded, making another note. "And how's school going for Tyler? Is he adjusting okay?" Tyler, who was still eating his cupcake, piped up. "I'm doing great, Mommy's proud of me!" Ashley smiled, feeling a surge of pride. "Yes, I am proud of you, sweetie." Sarah smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "That's great to hear. I'm sure it's not easy being a single mom, but it sounds like you're doing a great job." Ashley felt a lump form in her throat, as she looked at Sarah, who seemed genuinely kind and interested in her children's well-being. Maybe, just maybe, this visit wouldn't be so bad after all.