Alanna fished through her travel bag for her keys to the front door. She had just gotten back from one of her many business trips that kept her away from home. She loved her job yet she missed her family while away.
She found her key, pulled it out of her bag and stuck it into the keyhole. As soon as she opened the door the house echoed with screams. "Mama, Mama, you're home!" her children shouted as she came into the hallway. They ran to her and smothered her with hugs and kisses. Thom tugged on Alanna's hand, beckoning her to follow him. He lead Alanna into the loving room. "Mama, look what we made for you." Above the fireplace was a sign that said "Welcome Home Mama!". It was made from sheets of computer paper and was taped up crookedly. The letters were sloppy block letters in rainbow colors and that were all different sizes. Many letters were not filled in completely or were colored in outside the lines. There were drawings of mythical creatures such as Dragons and Stormwings lined up in front of the fireplace cover.
"Awww did you guys make these for me? No, these were made by artists. It must have been!" Alanna said lovingly. The children giggled.
"No, Mama, we made it. We are so glad you are back!" Thom said.
From behind her, George emerged from the kitchen and wrapped his arms around her. "And I am glad she is back too."
Alanna sighed. "It feels so good to be home."