157. Morning Note & Warm Kitchen
Soft dawn light slipped through the curtains of Sister Florence's room, pale gold and gentle, like a blessing rather than a wake-up call.
Florence stirred.
Her hand reached instinctively to the other side of the bed.
Empty.
She sat up at once.
"Marcelline…?" she murmured.
For a brief moment, worry touched her heart. After everything—fatigue, seals, restless nights—Florence wondered if the girl had pushed herself again. Perhaps she had gone for a run, Florence reasoned softly. Marcelline often did that when she didn't feel quite right, burning excess energy before sunrise.
Still… the absence felt strange.
As Florence rose and wrapped her shawl around her shoulders, her eyes caught a folded paper resting neatly on the bedside table.
Her breath stilled.
She picked it up.
The handwriting was unmistakable.
"
Maa,
When you wake up, don't worry—I'm okay. More than okay.
I slept so deeply, so peacefully, that when I opened my eyes it felt like the whole world had softened. My body feels light. My heart feels calm. My strength is back—not because of medicine, not because of magic, not because of incantations or training…
But because of you.
Your embrace healed me in ways nothing else ever could. Your love did what even divine power fails to do. I woke up whole. Completely.
Thank you, Maa. For holding me. For loving me. For always being my safest place.
I have something urgent to take care of this morning, so I had to leave early. Don't scold me—I promise I'll be back for breakfast. I wouldn't miss that for the world.
Smile for me when you read this, okay? Your little angel is doing just fine. "
—Your Elli
------
Florence pressed the note to her chest.
Her eyes shimmered, but her smile was bright, full, peaceful.
"Always worrying about everyone else," she whispered fondly.
"And always leaving love behind."
She folded the note carefully and tucked it away, heart lightened.
After freshening up, Florence moved through her morning routine—prayers whispered with quiet devotion, incense lit, blessings murmured for the house and everyone within it. Her steps felt calmer today, her spirit warm.
Marcelline was all right.
That was enough.
The Kitchen — Chaos with Love
The kitchen, meanwhile, was alive with clattering sounds and tiny chaos.
Amara stood at the stove, sleeves rolled up, stirring a pan of creamy mushroom risotto, while another burner held scrambled eggs with herbs. On the counter sat buttered toast, fresh berries, and a bowl of sliced fruits arranged with effort… and mild sabotage.
Mia stood on a stool beside the counter, tongue poking out in concentration.
"I dooo it," she declared seriously, holding a spoon much too big for her hand.
"Mia," Amara warned, not looking away from the pan, "don't put that in—"
Too late.
Mia dropped a strawberry straight into the risotto pan.
"There! More yum," she said proudly.
Amara froze.
"…I'm counting to three before I scream."
Mia blinked. "One… two… fwee!"
She giggled uncontrollably.
Florence entered just in time to witness Amara's suffering.
"Good morning," Florence said warmly.
"Maaaa!" Mia squealed, hopping off the stool and waddling over. "I cook! I big chef!"
Florence laughed, lifting her easily. "Oh? I see. A very serious chef indeed."
Amara muttered, "A three-foot disaster."
Florence helped plate the food, tasting gently. "It smells wonderful."
"It better," Amara replied. "I woke up early and survived Mia."
"That deserves respect," Florence agreed solemnly.
As they worked, Florence said casually, "Marcelline left early. She'll be back for breakfast."
Amara immediately looked up. "Early as in early early?"
Florence smiled knowingly. "Yes."
Amara sighed. "That girl never does anything quietly."
Mia swung her legs. "Auntie Elli go flyyyy?" she asked, stretching the word.
Florence chuckled. "Something like that, sweetheart."
Arrival
Laughter echoed from outside.
Not soft laughter.
Mocking laughter.
"Oh absolutely," Alpha's deep voice boomed. "Your face was legendary."
Paradus added smoothly, "I believe history will remember it."
"And I will end both of you," Marcelline snapped—though her voice carried nothing but laughter.
They entered together.
Alpha relaxed and proud.
Paradus elegant and amused.
Marcelline radiant, energetic, glowing with life.
Florence turned.
The moment she saw Marcelline—healthy, bright, whole—her smile softened into pure warmth.
Marcelline caught it instantly.
"I told you I'd be back for breakfast, Maa."
Florence opened her arms.
Marcelline stepped into them without hesitation.
Alpha and Paradus politely looked away, pretending they weren't witnessing something sacred.
Amara smirked. "All right, heroes. Sit before the food gets cold."
Mia clapped excitedly. "Auntie Elli sit here! Hereee!"
As everyone settled, Alpha leaned toward Paradus and whispered loudly, "She survived divine interrogation."
Paradus nodded gravely. "Barely."
Marcelline kicked Alpha under the table.
Hard.
Florence laughed softly, the kitchen filling with warmth, noise, and life.
The day had begun.
And for now—
everything felt right.
----
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