The warm scent of sautéed onions and sizzling meatballs wafted through the small but cozy apartment. Elena moved swiftly around the kitchen in her joggers and oversized tee, dancing lightly to the low music playing on her Bluetooth speaker. It had been a long day—running late for her interview, bumping into a handsome stranger, and talking her heart out with Aiden—but here she was, apron on, flipping meatballs like it was therapy.
"Spaghetti and meatballs," she mumbled to herself, stirring the sauce. "The ultimate comfort food."
She tossed in a handful of chopped parsley for color and gave a quick taste.
"Mmm... not bad, Chef Elena."
The apartment, though modest, was always spotless. Jessica Morrison had raised her daughter to take pride in every corner of their home—even when they barely had enough to fill it. The dining area was small, with a wooden table just big enough for two. Elena carefully set the plates, lit a small vanilla-scented candle, and stood back to admire her work.
As she wiped her hands, she glanced at the clock. 10:57 p.m.
"Mom should be back soon," she muttered, walking over to the couch and flipping open her laptop.
The blue glow from the screen lit her face as she scrolled through job sites, even though she was hoping—praying—that something from Lancaster Estate would pop up. She refreshed her email inbox again.
Still nothing.
With a sigh, she leaned back. Her stomach rumbled. "No, we wait for Mom," she whispered.
Her phone buzzed. A text from Aiden:
*Aiden:* *"Tell me you're home safe or I'm calling the cops."*
She chuckled and typed back.
*Elena:* *"I'm home. Alive. No need for sirens."*
Just then, keys jingled at the front door.
The door swung open slowly, and in came Jessica Morrison—still in her navy-blue scrubs, hair tied in a messy bun, and her white Crocs slapping softly against the tiled floor. She looked worn out, her shoulders drooping under the weight of another grueling shift at the hospital.
"Hey, love," she greeted, her voice tired but still warm.
Elena stood and rushed over, taking her mom's bag.
"You look like they made you perform surgery on ten elephants," Elena teased.
Jessica laughed lightly, dropping onto the couch. "Twelve elephants and one very cranky lion, thank you very much."
Jessica leaned back into the couch and kicked off her Crocs, sighing. "I need an oil change, new batteries, and about three days of uninterrupted sleep."
Elena grinned as she walked back toward the kitchen. "I can't give you that, but I made you dinner."
Jessica's eyes lit up. "Ohh? You did hun?"
Elena replied, walking over to the dining table. "Come, eat before it gets cold."
Jessica slowly got up, stretching. She shuffled to the dining table, lifted the lid off the plate, and gasped. "Spaghetti and meatballs?"
"Yup."
"With parsley?"
"Of course."
Jessica placed a hand on her chest dramatically. "I raised a goddess."
They both laughed as they took their seats.
As they began to eat, Jessica hummed with satisfaction after the first bite. "Mmm! You trying to outcook me in my own house?"
"Not possible," Elena said, twirling pasta on her fork. "I'm still your humble apprentice."
They ate in peace for a moment, the clinking of cutlery and soft music filling the space.
"So... how did it go?" Jessica asked between bites.
Elena wiped her mouth with a napkin and leaned back. "It was a day."
Jessica raised a brow. "That good?"
"I was late. Nearly missed the interview completely."
Jessica froze. "Oh no."
"I know. But somehow, they let me in." She took a sip of water. "I think I did okay. Maybe even better than okay."
Jessica looked relieved. "Well, you're you. That's always more than enough."
Elena smiled softly. "Thanks, Mum."
They finished their dinner slowly, sharing light chatter. After clearing the plates, Jessica stretched again and said, "I need to rinse off before I melt into this floor."
"Go, go," Elena said, waving her off with a dish towel. "I'll handle the dishes."
Jessica walked to her room but called out over her shoulder, "Let me know if you get any news!"
Elena nodded, turned back to the table to pick up her laptop, and opened her email one more time. She refreshed the page.
She blinked.
Then blinked again.
Her jaw dropped.
There it was: *Subject: Job Offer – Lancaster Estate*
"OH. MY. GOD."
She froze for a moment before jumping up from the chair.
"Mum!" she screamed.
Jessica, halfway into her bedroom, rushed back out. "What?! What happened?!"
Elena turned the screen toward her. "They offered me the job! I GOT THE JOB!"
Jessica's hands flew to her face. "WHAT?!"
"I got it, Mum! The job—I'm going to be working at Lancaster Estate!"
Jessica burst into laughter and tears at once. "My baby girl!"
They hugged tightly, spinning in circles like two kids who just won the lottery.
Jessica pulled back, teary-eyed. "See? I told you. I told you your light would make room for you."
Elena nodded, barely able to speak as tears slipped down her cheeks.