Chapter 4: A Lively Kitchen
The doorknob twisted, and the door creaked open. A figure stepped inside, radiating an air of confidence. Long, brown hair cascaded down their neck, tied back in a ponytail. Piercing blue eyes sparkled with warmth, and a gentle smile played on their lips. The doctor's uniform and name tag – "Anna Longstern" – only added to their aura of authority.
Anna strode into the kitchen, her movements fluid and purposeful. She opened the fridge, pulling out ingredients with a practiced ease. The kitchen, once a quiet and sterile space, was transformed by the sounds of sizzling food and clinking dishes.
Lude, awakened by the commotion, emerged from his room. His massive frame filled the doorway as he took in the scene before him. The kitchen, once a place of solitude, was now filled with the warm, inviting aromas of cooking food.
"Mom?" Lude's deep voice rumbled, his eyes wide with surprise.
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I stood under the warm spray of the shower, trying to wash away the lingering fear of my nightmare. The memory of my dad's words still echoed in my mind: "I'm not your dad!" I tried to push the thoughts away, telling myself it was just a dream.
After a sleepless night, I finally felt a sense of calm wash over me. I grabbed my bag and headed for the front door, intending to exit.
But as I approached the kitchen, I was drawn in by the sounds of laughter and sizzling food. My curiosity piqued, I turned the corner, and my eyes widened in surprise.
"Mom?" I stuttered, my eyes fixed on her warm smile.
She was standing by the stove, a spatula in hand, and a look of warmth on her face. Lude was sitting at the table, stuffing his face with food.
"What are you doing here, Mom?" I asked, still trying to process the scene before me.
"I'm glad to see you too, Johann," she replied, her eyes crinkling at the corners.
I took a seat beside Lude, feeling a sense of belonging I hadn't experienced in a long time. The warm, inviting aromas of the kitchen enveloped me, and I felt my shyness resurface.
As we sat down to eat, I asked, "So, Mom, is this your day off?"
Mom chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Yes, it is, Johann."
Lude chimed in, his mouth full of food, "Go on, Johann, I already know what you want to say."
My face flushed with embarrassment, but I continued, "It's just... I'm glad you're here, Mom."
Mom's expression softened, her eyes filled with warmth. "I'm glad to be here, Johann."
I finished my meal, feeling a sense of happiness I hadn't felt in a long time. I grabbed my bag and headed out the door, keeping a smile on my face as I shut it behind me.
"That kid, still as shy as ever," Lude said, finishing his meal.
Mom's eyes narrowed, her expression thoughtful. "Yes, he is... but there's something off. I'll talk to him later."