Shuyin paused in the doorway, leaning against the frame for a moment, just watching. Yuyan was at the stove, competent and focused, taking care of her little brother the way she always had. Chen Xiao with his toast and his rabbit, so small on that tall stool but managing, always managing. The warm sunlight. The smell of eggs and toast. The quiet efficiency of it all.
This was something she'd never imagined for herself, a kitchen full of warmth and children and something that felt almost like family. Even though none of them actually belonged to her. Even though this was temporary, but who knows what the future holds!
But standing here, watching them, it felt real in a way that made something in her chest ache.
This was how life was supposed to be. Peaceful mornings and children eating breakfast and no fear or violence or chaos lurking just beyond the door. But who knew what the future actually held? How long would this moment of calm would last before the next storm hit?
