*******Ethan Pov********
"Brrr! Brrr!"
The alarm buzzer jolting me awake, I rolled and tossed side to side, mumbling "just five more minutes….". Before I could drift back to sleep, the aroma of freshly baked bread floated in, waking me up from my slumber.
"Ethan, rise and shine," mom called.
I quickly brushed my teeth, saying my morning prayers, I rushed downstairs to find mom holding a tray of warm buttery bread.
"Good morning,ma".
"Good morning ,son", she said smiling and placing the tray on the table.
"That smells very nice and looks delicious".
"It is just as you imagine it to be", mom said bringing the omelette to the table.
I stretch forth my hands to say a prayer, "lord, I thank you for the food and water and I ask provisions for those who don't have in Jesus name amen" and then we ate.
The sun was just right, not too hot, not too cold. Mom insisted we go for a walk to clear our heads," which really meant she wanted time with me. I didn't mind though, not today.
We strolled through the park, her steps light and steady, mine dragging a bit behind.
"Smell that?" she asked, closing her eyes to the breeze."That's fresh grass and life."
I rolled my eyes but smiled. "Smells like allergies."
She laughed, nudging my shoulder. "You used to love running around here as a kid."
I glanced around,same old park. But somehow, walking beside her made it feel different…like I was noticing it all over again.
She pulled out a small bag of peanuts and offered me some."Fuel for our adventure," she said.
I popped one in my mouth. "So what's our adventure, exactly?"
"Talking. Walking. Laughing. You know…being human."
And for once, I didn't check my phone. Just kept walking beside her, listening to her stories, and letting the moment stretch quietly between us.
We got home just as the sky turned orange. The breeze followed us in as Mom unlocked the door, humming one of her old favorite songs. I dropped onto the couch with a sigh, stretching my legs while she headed to the kitchen.
"Want tea?" she called.
"Yeah, thanks," I replied, eyes half-closed.
Then….buzz buzz….my phone vibrated in my pocket.
Her name lit up my screen. I sat up straight. Heart pounding.
"Hey," I said, trying to sound chill.
"Hi, Ethan," her voice was soft. "Just wanted to check on you, I hope you got home safe yesterday."
I smiled like an idiot. "Yeah, I did. Thanks for calling."
We chatted briefly, my voice weirdly higher than usual. I laughed a little too loud at something she said. When the call ended, I put my phone down slowly, still grinning.
Then"ahem"I looked up to see Mom peeking around the corner, mug in hand, smirking.
"Well well well… who was that?"
I blinked. "No one."
She walked over, handed me the tea. "No one doesn't make you blush like that."
I buried my face in the mug. "It's just a friend."
She sat beside me, bumping my shoulder. "Mmhmm. A pretty one?"
I groaned. "Mom…"
She giggled like she was the teenager. "I like her already."
"Good night ma", I said running away from her question.
I showered and slept in immediately, it was a long day.