Chapter 10: The Last Breakfast

The next morning, I was awakened by birdsong outside the window.

Opening my eyes, I remembered—today was the day Caleb and Mason would leave.

It was also the day I would leave.

Voices drifted from outside the yard. The air faintly carried the smell of breakfast.

When I went out to look, I saw Aubrey at the stove, washing her hands and making pancakes. Mason stood beside her, staring eagerly at the fresh pastries. Aubrey gently used a fork to feed him a bite.

"So good! Aunt Aubrey, your pancakes are better than my mom’s!"

"Really? Then I’ll make them often in the future."

Aubrey’s smile grew even warmer.

As the two chatted, Caleb walked over.

"Aubrey, you’re a guest. You don’t have to do these things."

Aubrey’s eyes curved as she answered softly,

"We’re about to move to Boise. Doing these things now is just to get used to it. After all, once Miss Lillian is gone, I’ll have to take care of you two."

At these words, Caleb fell silent. After a while, he finally said, "Thanks for everything."

He had his back to me, so I couldn’t see his face, but his voice was gentle.

Just then, Mason took both their hands.

"Dad, Aunt Aubrey, don’t worry. I’ll take care of myself."

His earnest little words made the yard fill with laughter—until my appearance broke the mood.

This time, all three noticed me. Aubrey was the first to speak, her eyes full of gentle amusement.

"Miss Lillian, you’re up. Come try the new muffins I made."

She naturally took on the air of a hostess.

And from where I stood, Aubrey seemed to be protected by Caleb and his son together.

This reminded me of things between me and Aubrey.

The kitchen was bright with morning light, the sort you only get in the early hours before a long trip. Their laughter hung in the air, but when I entered, the air went a little still—like a radio cut off mid-song.