"Ackkkkk!"
I struggled to break free from the hands tightly gripping my neck. The man choking me had a face twisted in rage, his eyes wild with fury.
"Ackk… s-stop… please…"
I tried to cry out, to scream for help — but no voice came. Only strangled groans escaped my lips, raw and broken. My lungs begged for air.
"I'm gonna kill you, bitch! I'm gonna kill you!"
He shouted angrily, pressing harder on my throat. I could feel my strength slowly fading, my legs giving out beneath me.
My vision started to blur. Everything around me felt like it was spinning.
Am I going to die?
Even as my mind began to fade, I could still think.
No… I can't die yet. This body… it's no longer mine alone! I screamed in my thoughts, because I could no longer speak. The words stayed trapped inside me.
"Rome! What are you doing?!"
A voice suddenly rang out. It sounded far away, but also familiar. I tried to hold on to that voice, but darkness had already started to take over.
And then… silence.
.....
"Mommy! Mommy, wake up!"
A tiny voice called out to me as small hands gently shook my body.
I gasped for air as I stirred from sleep, slowly awakening to the sound of that little voice calling out to me.
When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was an adorable face — a sweet little girl whose face was so close to mine that if either of us moved even slightly, our noses would touch.
"Mommyyy! Are you awake now?!"
She shouted right into my face, her wide eyes filled with both worry and excitement as she leaned in even closer.
I couldn't help but giggle. I wrapped my arms around her small waist and started tickling her sides, unable to resist the urge brought on by her overwhelming cuteness.
"Hehehe! Stop it, M-mommy, tehehe!"
She squirmed and laughed uncontrollably, her giggles ringing out like music — bright and innocent.
But I didn't stop there. I showered her neck with playful kisses, which only made her laugh harder, her tiny hands trying to shield herself from the tickle attack.
Our joyful moment was suddenly interrupted by another small voice from across the room.
"Mommyyyy, you're awake?"
I turned toward the door and saw another cute little face peeking through.
The moment she realized I was awake, she burst into a run, her little feet pattering excitedly against the floor.
"Mommyyyy!" she squealed with delight, pushing her sister aside just to reach me first.
"Egypt, don't push your sister. Say sorry to Paris." I said gently.
"Sowrry, Paris…"
Egypt mumbled with a pout, then wrapped her arms around her sister in an apologetic hug.
"It's okay, Egypt."
Paris replied sweetly, hugging her back without hesitation.
I watched them with a warm smile, my heart full as they embraced — their tiny arms wrapped around each other, their bond already strong and pure despite their young age.
They are Paris and Egypt Lincolm — my beloved daughters who carry my last name.
They're twins, just five years old, but surprisingly mature for their age. Paris, being born thirty minutes earlier, naturally steps into the role of the big sister. She's thoughtful, caring, and always looks out for Egypt. Meanwhile, Egypt, full of boundless energy and curiosity, keeps us all on our toes with her playful nature.
Between the two of them, it's Egypt who inherited more of my childhood traits — playful and mischievous, yet surprisingly mature at times. Paris, on the other hand, tends to be more serious around others, though she's kind and only becomes playful when she's with Egypt and me.
It brings me so much joy to see them getting along so well. And whenever they do have misunderstandings, they always manage to resolve them quickly.
Watching the two of them grow together like this fills me with a joy I never knew I needed.
I noticed the two of them whispering to each other.
"What are you two talking about?" I asked as I approached them, curious to hear their little conversation.
"Nothing, Mommy.." they replied in unison, stealing glances at each other — as if they were hiding something from me.
"Nope, I definitely heard you talking. And I want to know what my babies were chatting about." I said, pulling them close and planting kisses on their cheeks. I just couldn't resist their cuteness.
But they seemed determined to keep their secret. Neither of them said a word — instead, they just stared at each other, their expressions adorable in their stubborn silence. I couldn't help but gently pinch their cheeks.
What would be the most effective way to get them to confess? I wondered, studying their little faces — until an idea popped into my head: my usual trick to coax them into talking.
"How about this," I offered. "If you tell me what you two were whispering about, I'll give you some ice cream — or any dessert you want."
Right away, their eyes lit up. Egypt looked like she was about to give in. She glanced at her older sister, as if silently asking for permission to speak.
"The truth is, Mommy… sister told me earlier..." she began, sneaking another look at her sister, who didn't seem the least bit surprised — almost like she already knew what her little sister was about to do.
"Uhmm… maybe you should just ask sister about the rest…" Egypt trailed off, clearly backing down, afraid her sister might not approve.
So I immediately walked over to her and whispered, "What were you and your sister talking about? Come on, tell me — your big sister won't get mad at you."
I glanced at Paris, who let out a resigned sigh, as if silently accepting that there was no stopping Egypt if she decided to spill their little secret.
I couldn't help but chuckle— she looked absolutely adorable in that moment.
"Okay, I give up," Paris said, walking toward us and wrapping her arms around both me and Egypt. "Now you can tell Mommy what I told you earlier."
"Well, Mommy…"
Egypt began, but then paused, like she suddenly remembered something very important.
"But Mommy, before that — don't forget your promise — the ice cream for me and Paris, okay?" she added, looking at me suspiciously, as if afraid I might go back on my word.
I laughed.
"Okay, I promise."
I raised my right hand to show I meant it. Her eyes sparkled with excitement after that.
"Well, Mommy..." she continued, her tone growing softer.
"Paris told me earlier that you had another nightmare…"
Her voice was filled with concern, and she glanced over at Paris, who had turned quiet and downcast again.
I looked at both of them, their worried faces tugging at my heart. I quickly put on a reassuring smile, not wanting them to feel sad.
"It's okay, my babies. Mommy was probably just really tired from work yesterday, that's all. I promise it won't happen again."
Then I kissed both of them on the forehead to ease their worries.