The sharp sound of the alarm echoed through the small bedroom. Sofia groaned and rubbed her eyes, blinking against the soft light filtering through the thin curtains. The quiet hum of the city beyond the window reminded her it was another ordinary morning. She yawned, stretched, and pushed off the covers. The faint scent of coffee brewing downstairs reminded her that, as always, she'd be the first one up.
She padded across the room to the small mirror on the wall, brushing a stray lock of dark hair from her face. The reflection staring back at her was that of a tired young woman—someone with dreams bigger than the small apartment she called home, but for now, it was all she had.
Sofia made her way into the tiny kitchen, the floorboards creaking underfoot. As she cracked eggs into a sizzling pan, the sound of her brothers' distant chatter in the bedrooms told her that they wouldn't wake up for another half hour, maybe more. Being the only girl amongst four siblings—three brothers who were identical quads—meant that she had to be up early to ensure everything ran smoothly. Her mother was already getting ready for work, but the chaos wouldn't begin until the boys were all awake.
She hummed softly to herself as she set out the bowls and glasses, making enough food for four hungry boys and herself. The smell of bacon and scrambled eggs filled the apartment, mixing with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee. She had gotten used to the routine—the early mornings, the quiet moments alone before the madness began.
After setting the table, she quickly made her way to the bathroom. The soft sound of the shower running soon replaced the clatter of kitchen utensils. Sofia stood under the warm water for a moment, letting it soothe the tension in her muscles. A brief thought crossed her mind about her future, about a life beyond the small café she worked at and the family she loved but sometimes felt trapped by.
She shook the thought away. There was no time for dreaming just yet.
Once done, Sofia towel-dried her hair and dressed in her usual uniform—a simple black dress and a worn apron. She quickly braided her hair into a tight, practical plait and even reapplied a touch of makeup for the first time, trying to look as presentable as she could, even though she always felt a little out of place in the busy city.
Sofia stepped into the living room, where the sound of her brothers' banter filled the air. They were already gathered around the dining table, their eyes glued to their phones or bickering about some trivial matter, but they stopped as soon as she walked in. Each of them shot her a grin, their faces too similar to distinguish one from the other.
"Good morning Sofia" came the chorus of identical voices
"Good morning" Sofia replied and went to her mom. She pecked her mom's cheek and said "Good morning to the best mother in the world"
"mhm..hmm, good morning Sofia. Breakfast smells delicious today" Her mom replied
"Yeah can't same the same for the taste though " her quad, Sam who is also the oldest quad teased with a cheeky grin
"At least it's better than your so-called meat ball that were flat and burnt last week" Sean, the second oldest of the quads,retorted, they all burst out laughing
Sofia smiled, shaking her as she sets the last of the breakfast dishes "You guys are so impossible"
Their playful banter fills the room, Sofia feels a pang of affection for her brothers. They were frustrating at times but they were family
Their mother who was sipping on her morning coffee said "Don't listen to them, the food is delicious"
Sofia smiled and placed her hand on her mom's and said "Thanks mom, I love you"
And her mom smiled. That was the first time they had a breakfast like that ever since their dad disappeared...it felt strange but also comforting to have things back to normal again
After breakfast, Sofia and her brothers—Sam, Sean, and Seth—all left for their various jobs. They took a taxi together and made sure Sofia got to her workplace before heading off to their own destinations.
When Sofia arrived at the café, she was greeted by her co-worker and best friend, Dana. Dana was the complete opposite of Sofia: where Sofia was a tomboy who loved playing video games, wrestling, and hitting the gym, Dana was all about makeup, shopping, romance movies, and dreaming about her "perfect guy."
"Good morning, Sofia... OMFG, did you use makeup?" Dana squeaked, eyes wide in surprise
"Yeah, I just tried it for the first time. No need to get all squealy," Sofia said, feeling a little awkward as she tugged at the sleeves of her sweatshirt.
"Fine fine, our shifts about to begin anyways. But after work we are taking a picture of you in that makeup it suit you" Dana said giggling
Sofia can't help but smile at her friend. After a few minutes, their shift begins and it is a lunch rush and Sofia gets tired waitressing for so many people and she was praying for break to come faster.