As I sit at my desk working, my little sons drift in and out of the room

As I sit at my desk working, my little sons drift in and out of the room. They’ll slip in, settle beside me for a few minutes, nibbling on a cracker or a piece of fruit, taking a quick drink, then wander back out, only to return again later.

Before they leave, they always come over to tickle the back of my neck, rub my shoulder, or rest their head on me. It’s their quiet way of saying hello, since they don’t speak much. Then off they go again, each departure marked by their boundless happiness and affection.

It’s a small ritual that never fails to warm my heart.