Zarah’s pov
The sll of breakfast drifted through the kitchen as I stirred the eggs, the swish of bacon adding a little noise to the quietness that hung in the room.
It was Saturday morning. Saturday mornings were always the best that I could ever ask for and Elliot loved it because I was always at ho to help him with howorks and play with him.
But today was extra special as we were going to the park.
It was a new park that had just opened and all the kids in the neighborhood and their parents would be there and I was quite sure that Elliot, though shy, would make so new friends there.
Elliot was still in his room, maybe pulling on his sneakers or scrabbling for his favorite cape — whatever it was that would make our trip to the park that morning very interesting.
I smiled to myself, enjoying how everything was going to be.
Saturdays were my off day at the cafe , the one day a week where everything felt right and beautiful.
I was making both breakfast and lunch at the sa ti as we would be spending a long ti at the park and maybe when we get back, I might be too tired to do anything.
I cracked the eggs, the shells breaking with a soft sound, and I glanced at the clock. Elliot would be ready soon, but I was almost done with breakfast. I had the sandwiches wrapped and ready for lunch, put away in the bag. Peanut butter and jelly for him, lemon and sandwiches for . The simple part of making a day in the pack worth it.
" Mama! I can’t find my sneakers! " Elliot ’s voice echoed from the other room, a familiar hint of frustration in it.
" They’re by the door, sweetie pie! " I called, flipping the eggs with expert ease.
Seconds later, Elliot appeared, his hair wild from sleep, his eyes still sleepy but wide with excitent. He just couldn’t wait to get to the pack.
His little legs were bouncing in expectation, like he couldn’t contain his joy at the thought of a whole day of running around the park.
" I’m starving! " he whined, hopping onto the kitchen chair with a grin.
" Always starving, " I teased, sliding his plate in front of him and then pouring him a glass of orange juice.
I stared at him as he got to the chair and my chest swelled with love . Elliot was growing really fast and I loved him so much.
I couldn’t believe that it was just seven years ago that Damon had driven out and now it felt like it was just yesterday.
I sighed.
He dug into the eggs with the enthusiasm only a seven ti-old could have.And soon was already making a ss with everything. He was probably too excited to get to the park, at least he would et so of his friends there. This was the only way I knew I could give him so much attention and make him happy since I had always had a busy schedule at the cafe.
That was the reason I had stopped the last one because it made not have enough ti for my son.
I set down my plate beside him, pushing aside the whirling thoughts that had been hanging for days. My mind kept drifting to the words I had avoided — the ones with Jace, with myself, with Damon.
The lies, the half- truths, the pain I had buried so deep. But this was a Saturday. This was about Elliot . I couldn’t let the darkness creep into our one day of peace.
I heard the knock on the door before I saw Elliot ’s eyes move to it. He stopped mid-bite, his curiosity piqued.
" Mama? " he asked, his voice small.
" It’s okay, baby. Stay there and finish your breakfast and don’t make a ss, okay ?", " I told him, my voice steady despite the knot tightening in my stomach.
I wiped my hands on a handkerchief, giving Elliot a smile as I walked toward the door. The knock had been soft and so gentle , but my heart pounded anyway.
We didn’t get lots of visitors, and those who ca were those we had anticipated. So who could it be? My heart was hamring and I wondered who it might be that wanted to see .
My mind did a little thoughts and ran over anyone whom I know that might want to visit but my mind was as blank as a pair
Was it Damon?
No.
I swallowed hard and didn’t want to give it much thought. We just have less than twenty minutes to go to the park and I didn’t and hated this sudden visit so much.
I opened the door.
And froze in my tracks
This must be a dream I thought to myself.
If soone had told this would happen I would never have believed it but it was reality and she was staring at .
I couldn’t speak. The space between us felt incredibly wide.
She was standing there, in front of , looking. She looked aged, her face carrying the lines of ti, but her eyes -- those sa eyes — locked with mine.
My throat tensed. You know that feeling of shock mixed with surprise that you get when you found out that soone who had suddenly vanished from your life was alive and was probably thinking of you?.
That was the kind of feeling I got.
Mother was here, standing in my porch after so many years of neglect and pushing away from her.
I wanted to ask a thousand and one questions or slam the door but I couldn’t.
I managed to open my mouth, but no words ca out. My chest constricted, feelings coming in from every direction.
Why now? Why after all these tis?
But I couldn’t move. I just stood there, looking at her like he was so kind of ghost.
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