Chapter 4

I wiggled out of my cocoon, ready to devour the mountain of sandwiches I’m sure my papa made me. My brothers hurriedly followed after me, stomachs loudly rumbling at the thought of eating their food.

As we entered the kitchen, we were met with plates piled high with our desired sandwiches. I made a beeline towards my chair, plopping down and snatching a sandwich from the plate. 

Slivers of melted cheese and crunchy bacon poked from the sandwich. The bread was still warm, slightly greasy from the amount of butter he used to make it. I gave it a light squeeze, “Thank you, papa!” 

“Welcome, sweetie.”

I sunk my teeth into the grilled cheese. 

Crispy bacon and hot cheese.

It was one of the best things on earth.

As my feet wiggled happily, barely chewing what was already in my mouth, I went in for another bite. I couldn’t shovel away like my brothers could. They both mastered the art of inhaling a mass amount of food. 

It’s a skill I yearned to have.

“Slow down, Noémie.” Papa warned, placing a glass of almond milk in front of me. “The sandwiches are not going to disappear.” 

 I chewed hungrily, “I’m hungry.”

“I can see that.” He smiled, “I swear, people will think you and your brothers are starving by the way you three eat.”

As I swallowed, reaching over for my glass of milk, I glanced over at my brothers. Though Joaquin was slightly neater than Antonio, they were both scarfing down their sandwiches. Strands of cheese clung to Antonio's chin and cheeks as he chewed.

“We're growing kids.” Antonio insisted, “We need nutrients.”

“I doubt you’ll get all the nutrients you need from a ham and cheese sandwich.”

“Not with that attitude I will.” He took another bite, “I’m manifesting it.”

“I’m manifesting that you shut up.” Joaquin grumbles. 

“Well, I’m manifesting that you-”

“Enough,” Papa scolded as he placed two cups of almond milk in front of my squabbling brothers. “I would like to enjoy my food in peace. And I’m sure Noémie would like the same thing.”

They grumbled, flashing glares towards each other, but returned to their eating. Papa grabbed his plate. He had piles of cheesy, meatball subs smushed together.

It wasn’t long before he joined us in our feasting. Happily munching on his first sub as he listened to Antonio and Joaquin shared what they did that morning. He piped up after swallowing, asking questions about whatever hobby they decided on to occupy their time.

I was only half-listening to the conversation.

My attention was solely focused on quenching my ever present hunger.