Jereva caught her with ease, letting out a chuckle as she twirled Zoey in the air.
"Ohhh, my cute little niece!" she cooed, squeezing Zoey tightly.
She finally put Zoey down, cupping her small cheeks.
"You get cuter every time I see you. I might just steal you away one day."
Zoey giggled, nuzzling into her touch.
"Where have you been?" she pouted. "You've been gone forever!"
Jereva smiled, brushing a strand of Zoey's hair behind her ear.
"I know, I know. I've been busy. I'm sorry."
"Too busy for your cute niece?" Zoey huffed, puffing out her cheeks.
"I thought you loved me."
Jereva laughed, pressing their foreheads together.
"Ohhh, my sassy little girl. What would I do without you?"
Zoey grinned.
"You'd be boring!"
Jereva threw her head back, laughing loudly.
"And she's proud too."
They laughed together, their laughter filling the room.
But then, Jereva's smile softened.
"So," she said, looking around. "What are you doing in your room at this time of day?"
