“Mama, Mom, tell us a bedtime story!” Mia, Ena and Mizuki’s daughter, shouted. She slammed her arms up and down on the mattress. Hajime, her twin brother who was lying beside her, also gave a little nod.
“Now, now, Mia, I know you’re excited, but it’s time to wind down,” Ena said softly, patting Mia on the head. Mia nuzzled into the touch.
“Now, who wants to hear… Cinderella?” Mizuki announced with an excited grin. Hajime perked up at that, straightening up against his pillows.
“Yay, Cinderella, my favorite!” Mia cheered. She was about to slam her arms down again, but she stopped herself midair at the last second. She turned toward Ena, who smiled proudly at her.
“Alright, are we ready?” Mizuki asked the kids enthusiastically. They nodded eagerly, big grins on their faces. She then turned to her wife.
“You gotta help me, though, okay, Ena?” she asked, raising her eyebrows.
“Of course,” Ena replied with a mischievous grin. “I’ll be the best evil stepmother you could ever imagine! Gyahahaha!”
The kids burst into a fit of giggles. Once they were done, though, Mizuki began reciting from memory.
“Once upon a time…”