The aroma of freshly made pancakes wafted through the luxurious Los Angeles villa as the golden rays of dawn streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The kitchen, a blend of modern elegance with state-of-the-art appliances, was alive with activity. Ethan Edwards, dressed casually in a navy-blue T-shirt and gray sweatpants, stood at the marble countertop flipping pancakes with a practiced ease that seemed out of place for someone who designed missiles and fighter jets for a living.
Sophia shuffled down the stairs in her oversized hoodie and fuzzy socks, her hair still a bit messy from sleep. She rubbed her eyes and paused at the kitchen entrance, leaning against the doorframe as she watched her brother.
"Pancakes, huh? What's the occasion?" she teased, a playful smirk tugging at her lips.
Ethan glanced over his shoulder, his sharp gray eyes softening when he saw her. "Do I need an occasion to spoil my favorite sister?"
"Favorite? I'm your only sister," Sophia quipped, walking into the kitchen. She perched herself on one of the high stools by the counter and rested her chin on her hand, watching him work.
"You say that like it changes anything," Ethan replied with a grin, expertly flipping a pancake mid-air before catching it on the pan.
Sophia's admiration for her brother knew no bounds. Here he was, the world's most influential businessman and scientist, casually making breakfast like a regular person. It was moments like these that reminded her how human he was beneath the larger-than-life persona.
Ethan slid a stack of perfectly golden pancakes onto a plate and set it in front of her, topping it with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup. "There. Energy for the day."
Sophia raised an eyebrow. "Energy for what? I'm not going to the orientation, remember?"
Ethan leaned against the counter, crossing his arms. "Still sticking to that, huh?"
"Yup," Sophia said confidently, cutting into her pancakes. "I'd rather spend the day doing something useful, like studying or working on that project you gave me."
Ethan tilted his head, studying her. "You know, skipping an event like this might not seem like a big deal now, but it's these little experiences that shape you. Meeting new people, hearing different perspectives—it all adds up."
Sophia groaned. "Ethan, I'm not you. I don't need to conquer the world. I'm fine just... existing."
Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "Soph, you're not wired for just existing. You're destined to outdo me one day, whether you believe it or not."
Sophia rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the small smile forming on her lips. "Why do you always have to be so dramatic?"
"Because it's true," Ethan replied, his tone sincere. "You've got a mind that can change the world. Don't let laziness or fear hold you back."
"Laziness?" Sophia scoffed, feigning offense. "Excuse me, I solved all those problems you gave me last night perfectly."
"True," Ethan conceded, grinning. "But avoiding new experiences is a form of laziness, too. It's comfortable, sure, but growth doesn't happen in comfort zones."
Sophia sighed, taking another bite of her pancake. "Fine. You win this round. I'll go."
Ethan raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Really?"
"Don't get too excited," Sophia said, pointing her fork at him. "I'm only going because you made a good argument, and these pancakes are amazing."
Ethan laughed, a deep, genuine sound that filled the room. "Fair enough. Just promise me one thing—go with an open mind. Who knows? You might even enjoy it."
Sophia rolled her eyes again but couldn't hide the hint of a smile. "Yeah, yeah. We'll see."
As she finished her breakfast, she felt a strange mix of anticipation and curiosity. Maybe Ethan was right—maybe this day would surprise her. Or maybe it would just be another boring event she'd quickly forget.
Either way, she couldn't deny the warm feeling of having a brother who believed in her more than she believed in herself.