clasps her hands together, eyes wide with hope Sweetie, can we have some family time today?
Mannha
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.
Mannha
sounds perfect to me
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?
Mannha
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.
Mannha
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?
Mannha
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
Mannha
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.
Mannha
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.
Mannha
Yea.. I miss them
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.
Mannha
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
Mannha
Why did he leave?
takes a deep breath, her voice quivering Sometimes people feel lost, sweetie. Your father... he didn't know how to stay.
Mannha
I don't understand
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.
Mannha
Did he ever come back?
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.
Mannha
I wish he came back
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.
Mannha
I'm sorry
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.
Mannha
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.