The sun had barely peeked over the horizon when Arabella sat down for breakfast, ready to take on the day. As she reached to the door, Louisa called out in a rush.
âBella, do you have a busy day at work today? When will you be back?â
Perhaps sensing her daughter's hesitation, Louisa quickly added, âYou know, with the holidays around the corner, we used to get new outfits made for the occasion. This year, your dad and I thought it would be fun to go for matching family outfits. What do you think?â
Arabella looked at her mother, then at her father Kenneth, who was practically wearing his hope on his sleeve.
âYou mean the whole family wearing matching outfits?â
âYes! Just imagine how cozy and loving that would look!â Louisaâs eyes sparkled with anticipation, while Kenneth looked eagerly at Arabella.
âYour brothers always thought it was too childish and never wanted to join in, but this year could be different. If youâre in, theyâll surely be fighting to wear them too.â
âI know you have a real knack for design, but let's have others handle the new clothes. You should take it easy.â
âThatâs right. We donât want you to worry about these things. Just want your opinion. What do you think about us wearing matching outfits for the New Year?â
Arabella finally said, âIâm fine with it.â
âWonderful!â Louisa's face lit up with joy, âSo when will you be back? Iâve arranged for a group of designers to come over. Theyâll take our measurements, pick out the fabrics, and offer some creative ideas on the spot. We were hoping you could be there since weâd like to prioritize your input for the family outfits.â
âI have an end-of-year meeting. Iâll try to be back by 4 p.m.,â Arabella replied, somewhat surprised at herself. In the past, she wouldnât have gone out of her way to explain her whereabouts.
Ever since she had returned to her biological family, it seemed she had changed a lot.
âThatâs fine. Take your time, weâll schedule them for before 4 p.m. Thereâs no rush,â Louisa couldnât hide her excitement.
The thought of publicly announcing her beloved daughterâs identity and proudly wearing matching outfits together in a few days made her smile uncontrollably.
âIâd better get going then,â Arabella said her goodbyes and stepped out the door.
At that moment, both Kenneth and Louisaâs phones buzzed with incoming messages. It was Serena.
Serena had sent Louisa a heartfelt essay of a message, and then forwarded another well-prepared essay to Kenneth.
Each of her messages was lengthy, reviving memories for Kenneth and Louisa, one by one. They were transported back over a decade, holding her hand as she learned to walk, playing with her and her toys. Every award she won, every commendation from her teachers, every time she stood out as exceptional, filled them with pride and contentment.