Everyone in my family have their own way to unwind during their free time. My husband would often stay in our room reading his favorite books, do some take home work from the office or watch football in the television. My eldest son would lock himself up in his room and play computer games. He would also go outside to meet his friends or just stay there to sleep over in their houses. My daughter would also spend more time with her friends for pajama parties. If she is at home, she would stay in her room fixing herself up. While my youngest just spend his time with his portable play station. Even the family dog just sleeps the day and night away. For sometime, I feel like I am alone in my own home. No one from my family would bother asking me if I am okay or how my day went. I feel sad because i never get the time to bond with the family.



I still remember when we first got this house. It was December, the days nights are cold. We are all so happy. We would spend the nights sitting in front of the fireplace exchanging stories of how our days went. The kids would cuddle on us and would talk about their school adventures.

I would prepare hot chocolate for them while my husband adds fire and makes sure that the fireplace screens are tightly closed. Then we would prepare ourselves for the night or just stay there, sleep until the night is through. We are sure we are secured because the fireplace screens are tightly closed.

But it is almost December and the kids are almost grownups. They would not cuddle on us anymore. There are no more nights by the fireplace and the fireplace screens are already worn out. It would not be safe anymore to sleep by the fireplace.

Later on tonight, when I got home from work, the house is still very dark. Maybe the kids are not home yet. Maybe they are still in school or on their friend's house doing some projects or pajama parties. When I went inside, the house was warm unlike the cold and breezy atmosphere outside. The only light I see is the one coming form the fireplace.

I got in and placed my things by the table. It was surprising everybody was there. My husband was tuning on the fire and made sure the fireplace is tightly closed with the fireplace screens. My kids prepared hot chocolate and sat beside me and my husband. They were too big for us to cuddle anymore.

I was so happy that my family is gathered once again by the fireplace. We planned to sleep by the fireplace, sure Daddy made sure the fireplace screens are tightly closed so it would be safe.