Chapter 145: A Day to Remember

By noon, most of the children’s cheeks were flushed with excitement, their clothes slightly rumpled from play, and their eyes sparkling with unfiltered joy. Laughter still echoed faintly through the PlayZone, but energy levels had clearly dipped.

"Miss Cooper! I’m hungry! Is it lunchtime yet?" Klein called out, panting and clutching his stomach dramatically.

"Yes, and you all certainly earned it," Miss Cooper replied with a warm smile. "Let’s head up to the Cloud Suite."

The Cloud Suite was nothing short of magical... a private party room perched above the main play arena, painted in soft whites and sky blues, giving the illusion of dining among clouds. Hanging star-shaped lights twinkled softly overhead, while long child-sized tables were already set with paper placemats printed with cheerful doodles, rainbow-colored cutlery, and personalized water bottles bearing each child’s name.

The children rushed in, still buzzing with post-play adrenaline, but the instant the warm scent of food reached their noses, the chatter subsided and tiny feet slowed.

"Pizza!" squealed Tamara, skipping toward the table with outstretched arms.

"And chips! And nuggets!" Henry gasped, his eyes gleaming with glee as he pointed to each item like he’d struck gold.

A cheerful announcement echoed gently from the speakers:

"Welcome, HMIS! Please enjoy your lunch... freshly prepared just for you. Don’t forget to hydrate after play!"

Mothers guided their children into seats, adjusting napkins, straightening sleeves, and pouring out juice with practiced care. The kids’ menu was a guaranteed hit: margherita pizza slices with bubbling cheese, crispy chicken nuggets, crinkle-cut fries dusted with paprika, soft mini veggie burgers, fresh apple slices, and vibrant cupcakes topped with blue frosting and shimmering sugar stars.

The room soon filled with the sounds of munching, chatting, and happy sighs.

"I slid down the big twisty slide five times," Jason boasted, holding up five sauce-covered fingers like badges of honour.

"I climbed the volcano and touched the very top," Sana announced proudly, showing a tiny blister on her finger like it was a hard-earned medal.

"Mama, can we come here every Sunday?" Zara asked, her mouth stuffed with fries and eyes full of hope.

The mothers exchanged amused glances. Reema, Zara’s mom, chuckled. "Let’s see how tired you are tonight before we plan our Sundays."

On the moms’ table, the vibe was just as pleasant. Their lunch was elegant yet light—smoked salmon bagels layered with cream cheese and capers, leafy salads dotted with pomegranate seeds and goat cheese crumbles, buttery tarts filled with herbed mushrooms, and cappuccinos topped with frothy hearts.

"I feel like I’m on a mini-vacation," Olivia, Freddie’s mother, sighed contentedly, swirling her flat white.

believe no one’s spilled anything yet," Reema remarked with

here than at home," Charlotte noted.

careful when in school settings. It’s definitely her influence," Susan added, smiling toward the

their cupcakes, a staff member wheeled in a surprise... a DIY

large trays of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream were surrounded by bowls brimming with toppings: fluffy marshmallows, rainbow

a Sundae Station!" Henry screamed, practically vibrating with excitement.

gummy bears onto her bowl... no more, no less. Ravi focused like

as mothers captured the pure joy on their children’s faces, the sticky cheeks and triumphant grins. After dessert, mothers gently wiped faces, fixed ponytails, and checked shoelaces. Sophie, the lead

who’s ready for Round Two?"

twenty-five voices chorused, arms flung into the

into the PlayZone, eager to conquer it all over again. This time, play took on a new tone... more collaborative and

games evolved into storytelling adventures. The foam mountain became an active volcano,

Bella announced seriously, a paper straw tucked behind her ear like a communicator. "We have to rescue

move out!" Jake cried, leading his group

in dizzying circles while Lucy moved with graceful twirls. Henry invented a move

"Ninja Training Zone", a padded obstacle course with mini-beams,

me!" shouted Liam,

three... GO!" Jake shouted,

watch, began

with a gleam in her eye. "I want to

Tim’s

through the foam course, climbing walls and sliding down rope ladders while their

whole group gathered once again in the Cloud Suite. Miss Cooper stood with a small velvet box in one hand and

such a delightful group today. And now, as promised, it’s time for

chorus of "Ooooh!" rose from the

the

one, Sophie reached into the box and

as she received a basket filled with scented candles and essential oils. Susan clapped as she got a bookstore gift card. And Priya smiled brightly at her delicate floral

the grand prize...

winner is... Cleo

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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