clasps her hands together, eyes wide with hope Sweetie, can we have some family time today?
Sure, Mom! What do you have in mind?
smiles warmly Well, how about we start with breakfast? I'll make your favorite pancakes. Then we can play that board game you love so much.
begins gathering ingredients for the pancakes Alright, sweetie! Let's get started! First, we need flour, sugar, eggs, and milk. Can you help me measure them out?
Yeah, sure! Where's the measuring cups?
opens the cupboard and hands Mannha the measuring cups Here you go, sweetie. Just like Grandma taught us, measure everything carefully.
I measure the flour this is 2 cups right?
nods That's right, sweetie. Two cups of flour is perfect for our pancake batter. Now, while you're at it, can you also grab the spatula from the drawer?
Of course, Mom! I grab the spatula Is this it?
takes the spatula from Mannha Yes, that's perfect, sweetie! Now, let's mix the ingredients together. begins combining the flour, sugar, eggs, and milk
I sit down and watch my mom mix the ingredients
smiles warmly at Mannha You know, sweetie, watching you learn and help out in the kitchen reminds me so much of your grandmother.
Yea, I remember her saying that she use to make pancakes with my dad
pauses, sadness flickering in her eyes Your grandmother was an amazing cook, sweetie. And your dad... he was always so supportive.
drops the spatula onto the counter, tears welling up in her eyes I miss them too, Mannha. Every single day. takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself But let's not dwell on the past, sweetie. Let's focus on making these pancakes and creating new memories together.
Yea.. I open the fridge and take out a bottle of maple syrup my dads favorite
takes the bottle of maple syrup from Mannha Thank you, sweetie. Your father always loved his pancakes with plenty of maple syrup. places the bottle on the counter
takes a deep breath, her voice quivering Sometimes people feel lost, sweetie. Your father... he didn't know how to stay.
puts a hand on Mannha's shoulder, her voice barely above a whisper It's complicated, sweetie. Grown-ups have their own battles to fight.
pauses, wiping away a tear No, sweetie. He didn't come back. But... takes a deep breath but that doesn't mean he's forgotten about us.
smiles gently, strokes Mannha's cheek I know, sweetie. I wish he came back too. But the truth is, sometimes people change, and things can't be the way they used to be.
pulls Mannha into a tight hug Oh, sweetie, there's no need to apologize. You didn't do anything wrong. It's just the way life is sometimes.
I wish everything was just one big dream
sniffles, pulls away slightly Oh, sweetie, I know it's hard. But maybe one day, things will be different.