As I step into the kitchen, the warm scent of breakfast momentarily lifts the weight from my shoulders.
"Candy, this is amazing. Thank you, not just for this but for helping with the twins today too. You're a lifesaver."
I lean against the counter, watching her move around the kitchen with ease.
"Where's Zayn, by the way?"
I ask, trying to sound casual despite the undercurrent of concern threading through my voice. Candy pauses, setting down the spatula before turning to face me, her expression softening.
"He left early, said something about needing to see his siblings, to sort things out, I guess. He seemed... determined, maybe a bit worried, but who can blame him after everything?"
Her voice is gentle, understanding, a balm to the swirling thoughts in my mind.
"He mentioned he'd be back later and asked not to worry, but you know how it is."
