âYouâll never get away with this!â The deep-voiced declaration greeted Laura as she slowly opened the door to her home in Sanctuary, but there was no one in sight- instead, the words came from around the corner, continuing even as she carefully turned the knob and slipped the door back into the frame. âJust watch me, Grognak- this is the end for you!â Shaunâs words were punctuated by an attempted evil laugh that only served to make his mother smile, still standing in the entrance rather than moving towards his room. She supposed it would be wise to let Liam know that she had returned from the unexpected emergency, but for the moment, she was content to merely listen. The two got along so well, Laura was relieved that the sudden request had been accepted- and thoroughly enjoyed, as far as she could tell. She began to make her way around the corner, sticking to the wall so she wouldnât be seen as she approached Shaunâs doorway... A brief feeling of bittersweetness as she realized that while this was a moment she wanted to hear out and treasure, it would soon be over... She considered grabbing her camera and taking a picture, but by that point, it could be over- and in the end, wouldnât there be many more moments just like this that she could capture? For now... She could just enjoy. âIs this really age-appropriate?â There was no attempt to obtain one of the characterâs voices now, only mild concern and possible amusement as Liam read ahead. Laura peered in, careful not to be seen as she took stock of the scene. The moment he flipped the page, she pulled back and recited the next line as loudly and dramatically as she could. âGrognak, help! Youâre the only one who can save these bat babies!â With that, she stepped forward, arm dramatically pressed against her forehead as though she were a damsel in distress. âMom!â The boyâs arms were around her almost immediately, a sudden attack that she had missed due to her overdramatic entrance. Although she had to take a step back, Laura laughed and gave Shaun a hug. She glanced over to Liam, seeing him beginning to stand, and gave a near-imperceptible shake of her head. âStay,â she mouthed before straightening and patting Shaun on the back. âCome on, my little bat baby- letâs finish the comic, then itâs time to sleep...â He looked up to her and nodded, grinning from ear to ear as he turned to go back to his bed. Although Laura considered sitting on the edge, she instead opted to sit cross-legged on the floor next to Liam, peering over to the open page.  âNow, where were we...â

















