5. Breakfast
The warm scent of toasted bread, honeyed butter, and freshly brewed herbal tea drifted through the hallway as Marcelline stepped out after washing up. The morning light streamed through the kitchen windows, catching tiny dust motes and turning them into floating sparks of gold. It made the small dining space feel almost sacred—like a place blessed by peace.
Sister Florence moved between the stove and table with the familiar grace of someone who had spent years caring for others. Her apron fluttered gently as she placed plates one by one: soft pancakes drizzled with berry syrup, warm bread rolls, sliced fruits, and freshly churned milk for the three beast brothers.
"Come, come," she said warmly the moment she saw them. "Sit down before everything gets cold."
Alpha, Leo, and Paradus took their places first—though "took their places" was a generous phrase. Alpha sat politely, tail curled around his leg; Leo sprawled lazily near the window where the sunlight warmed his thick mane; and Paradus perched with surprising delicacy on the chair beside Marcelline, blinking his bright eyes as if he was the most well-behaved of the three.
Marcelline slid into her seat, her damp hair falling over her shoulders like a silver-dark waterfall. Her eyes softened at the sight of the table.
"It looks amazing, Ma," she said quietly.
Sister Florence, who had been pretending to look busy arranging spoons, smiled without turning around—because she knew if she did, the emotion on her face would give her away.
"Of course it does. I made all your favorites," she replied.
Amara entered moments later, stretching her arms dramatically.
"Oooh, finally! Food! I've been starving since watching your emotional family scene."
Leo let out a soft rumbling sound, something between a huff and a purr. Paradus flicked his tail sharply at her, unimpressed.
"Don't look at me like that," Amara laughed, sliding into her chair. "I'm part of the family too… the fun part."
Marcelline giggled softly, the sound light and sweet—something she rarely allowed herself.
As everyone settled, Sister Florence finally sat down at the head of the table.
For a few moments, the room was filled with the quiet clinking of forks, happy munching, and small content noises from the beasts. Alpha nuzzled a warm bread roll before eating it. Paradus licked honey straight from the spoon. Leo devoured his fruit slices in one bite and then proudly looked at Sister Florence for approval.
"You three…" she sighed, shaking her head affectionately, "eat slower."
"Ma," Marcelline whispered suddenly, her voice soft but sincere. "Thank you for everything."
The table fell quiet.
Sister Florence looked up, her eyes kind. "You don't need to thank me, child."
"But I want to," Marcelline said, lifting her gaze. "Your cooking, your care… everything. It makes me feel at peace."
Sister Florence's heart warmed at those words. She reached out and brushed a loose strand of hair behind Marcelline's ear—just like she used to when she was a little girl.
"You are my child," she said. "Your peace is my peace."
The gentle moment wrapped around the table like a soft blanket. Even Alpha, Leo, and Paradus lowered their heads respectfully.
Then Amara—unable to handle too much softness at once—clapped her hands dramatically.
"Okay, enough of the emotional attack!" she exclaimed. "Let's eat before Paradus steals my pancakes again—hey! I saw that!"
Paradius froze mid-reach, paw inches away from her plate.
Marcelline burst out laughing.
Sister Florence sighed but laughed too, shaking her head as she passed Amara another pancake.
And just like that, warmth filled the kitchen—filling the cracks of old wounds, softening shadows, and turning an ordinary breakfast into something precious.
A moment of family.
A moment of love.
A moment Marcelline wished could last forever.
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