"Then we make tonight count," Kai broke the heavy silence. "One last family dinner."
Alternative Cassius nodded, understanding their need for closure. "The kitchen's yours."
What followed was organized chaos in the best way. Luna and Sarah helped Samantha prepare ingredients, their shadows and starlight making even cooking magical. Bob recited recipes to Marcus with scientific precision, while Danny's drawings animated the cooking instructions.
"No powers," Ben announced suddenly, hugging Mr. Fluffles. "Let's do it the human way."
Emma and Ethan exchanged glances before setting down the plates they'd been floating. "He's right."
"Last chance to be normal kids," Maya said softly to Lucas.
The kitchen filled with laughter as they all learned to cook together—drops of batter on noses, flour handprints on aprons, and Kai dramatically failing to flip pancakes.
