36. My Presence

The next morning, I woke up feeling drained, a dull ache throbbing in my head. I took some painkillers before dragging myself to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. By the time I’d finished making pancakes, Brenda and Kelly walked in, the bright energy between them a stark contrast to how I felt.

“Good morning, Mom,” Kelly chirped as she made her way over to the tray of pancakes, her small hands gripping the edge of the table as she stretched to peek at what I’d made. “Mommy, I want to see. I want to learn how to make breakfast.”

I smiled at her eagerness, but before I could respond, Brenda swooped in, tickling her sides. “Hey, baby, don’t grow up too fast!” she teased, making Kelly giggle. “When you’re a bit older, I’ll personally teach you everything you need to know.”

Kelly pouted, crossing her arms dramatically. “But that’s so far away! My teacher says I’m like a tiny pebble.” She held her fingers close together to demonstrate, her face serious in the way only a determined child cou