Hazel and Noah descended the stairs, hand in hand, Maya's enthusiastic voice echoed through the hallway.

"Finally! The lovebirds are up and about!" she exclaimed, her words dripping with excitement.

Hazel's eyes sparkled with amusement, and she leaned into Noah's side.

"Someone's eager to start the day," she whispered, her voice barely audible over Maya's energetic greeting.

Noah chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "That's our Maya," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "Always ...