"I am getting old", I sighed while examining myself through the mirror.

"I don't care, I still think you're beautiful anyway," Gabrielo says, coming up behind me.

He kisses my bare shoulder and looks through the mirror.

"What would you say to enlarge the family?" he suggests with a smile.

"No problem," I answer. "Do you want a cat or a dog? I would like to say that the children wanted a chinchilla."

"A what?" he repeats, frowning. "Couldn't they want a cat or a dog or a rabbit like everyone else? Or just a brother or a sister?"

"They agreed after going to all the pet stores around here. It was either that, or a hedgehog, or a fennec and I've already refused to have a reptile in my house."

"Why should we have a pet again?" Gabrielo asks. "There are seven people in this house. From what I know, there is no time to be bored. If they want, we can even add a resident."

"I'm sorry? I already have five children. I don't plan on having a daycare center in my house. I can't split myself into pieces. We're both busy and let me tell you, the kids won't be happy to hear that."

"Go for the pet", Gabrielo concedes.

"Who said anything about a single pet? Everyone wants their own pet."

"They can all go live at the zoo if they want," my husband growls, letting out a nervous laugh. "I'm sure they'll blend in."

Iyan and Cordelia yell that they are back from the hallway.

"Honey, I forgot to tell you, but the twins said they would buy a pet with their savings."

"I believe I misheard. The twins are what?"

"They went to the pet store to find a pet. Today. Ans I'm pretty sure they found one."

Gabrielo sits on our bed and massages the bridge of his nose. That's what it means to always want to please them. I told him to take it easy, but he wouldn't listen. Too bad for him.

Iyan and Isla come into our room smiling. Iyan rushes to his father to tell him the good news.

"Daddy! I bought a chinchilla," Isla exclaims. "Look!"

She brings the animal close to her father's face and he backs away. Ah. It's true that we didn't tell him. They emit a very strong smell when they are scared.

Serves you right.

"Iyan, my dear, what animal have you chosen?"

"A fennec."

A nervous laugh escapes me and I turn to him. He smiles at me and tilts his head to the side.

"Where is it?"

"In its cage in Lia's room. She wanted one. It's our overdue birthday present", my proud son replies. "Everyone says turning sixteen is important."

"And what did you get yourself?"

"A hedgehog", he answers. "I've already asked the school and they've agreed to let me keep him at the boarding school. I will take him with me to Vienna."

I nod and turn to Gabrielo. His jaw is set. He inhales deeply without stopping. I stare at him without saying anything. He stands up and grabs each of the twins by a shoulder.

"Kids, you know I love you, right?" He asks, receiving nods. "That's why, from now on, you'll only get pocket money to take care of the newcomers here. No more, no less. It will prevent me from committing murder. Get out now."

The twins rush out the door. I just finish getting ready for the charity event in an hour.

"You see, honey. When I tell you that adding a new resident is not a good idea, you better believe me. Max said he'd rather have a cat."

"Alma, leave me alone. If this keeps up, these kids will drive me crazy."I laugh and hug him.

"Do you really want us to have a sixth child?" I asked.

"I think it's okay. Thanks for offering. I'd rather settle for how to make them."

"You never change, do you ?," I sighed, smiling.

"Never with you."

I smile as I stay in his arms. I can't believe how big the kids are already. Iyan is going to school abroad to learn music like he's always wanted to. Cordelia keeps going on photo shoots and still doesn't give up her studies. She wants to have a degree before she starts modeling. This is what led her to learn from my husband so she could take over her parents' business.

Isla, on the other hand, lives her life to the fullest without really knowing what she wants. Julio started ballet a while ago after attending a ballet with his father. Max is passionate about graphic art.

"Alma, we're going to be late," Gabrielo warns as he comes back from the bathroom.

"I know, I'm hurrying. Tell the children to go and put their beasts away before I throw them out."

"At your orders, Mrs. Moretti!"