The house was unusually quiet when CUTIS and BuEm appeared in the living room together. Normally, their playful energy filled every corner with laughter and noise, but this time they moved slowly, almost cautiously. They exchanged curious glances, clearly sensing that something was different. And then they saw Mom.
She stopped mid-step when she noticed them. Her eyes widened, and instead of smiling or calling their names, she froze. For a brief moment, the room felt tense, as if everyone was holding their breath. CUTIS tilted his head, confused, while BuEm clutched his hand tightly. Mom’s reaction was… strange.
She walked closer, studying them carefully from head to toe. No scolding. No laughter. Just a quiet, serious look that made both of them nervous. CUTIS tried to break the silence with a playful grin, even performing one of his silly tricks, but Mom didn’t respond. BuEm whispered something softly, unsure of what they had done wrong.
Dad watched from the side, just as puzzled. “What’s going on?” his eyes seemed to ask. CUTIS slowly stepped forward, reaching out his hand. That was when Mom suddenly knelt down and pulled both of them into a tight hug. Her arms wrapped around them with unexpected strength.
The tension melted instantly. CUTIS blinked in surprise, then relaxed. BuEm let out a soft laugh, burying his face against her shoulder. Mom’s voice trembled as she spoke, explaining that she had just heard about something dangerous that had happened earlier nearby. Seeing them safe, standing right in front of her, had overwhelmed her with emotion.
She hadn’t been angry or upset at all—she had been scared. Scared of losing them, scared of how fragile life can be. CUTIS gently patted her back, and BuEm nodded, suddenly understanding her strange reaction.
Soon, the room filled with warmth again. Mom wiped her tears, smiled, and kissed their foreheads. The mystery was solved. Sometimes, love doesn’t show itself in words or laughter. Sometimes, it appears as silence, worry, and a hug so tight it says everything the heart is afraid to speak.
