Ashley knelt on the living room floor, surrounded by toys and bursts of laughter. Little Vanessa toddled toward her, curly red hair bouncing with each unsteady step.
Her bright eyes sparkled as she babbled excitedly, "Mommy, mommy!" and held out one of her toys.
Instead of taking it, Ashley scooped her up and twirled her around. "My little angel!"
Vanessa giggled uncontrollably, flailing her chubby arms and legs. Her gibberish and laughter filled the air, making Ashley laugh along with her. She pressed kisses to her neck and nose, and the little girl squirmed in her hold.
In the middle of the sweet chaos, her phone started ringing, pulling half her attention away. She set Vanessa down to answer it.
The toddler seized the opportunity to take off, still giggling as she ran toward the door and out into the compound.
"Vanessa! Wait for mommy!" Ashley shouted, rushing after her, not caring that she was still on the call.
