008

THE next morning crept in softly, sunlight filtering through the blinds of the suburban house. Birds chattered outside, their songs piercing the quiet stillness of dawn. For once, Adrian was not in bed, nor hunched over his phone checking emails. He was in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up, an apron tied neatly around his waist. The apron was white with bold, faded-blue letters across it: “Best Daddy in the World.” Amelia had bought it for him years ago as a Father’s Day gift, and though he rarely wore it, today felt like the right time.

The smell of eggs sizzling on the pan, butter melting over toast, and bacon crisping in the oven filled the kitchen. Adrian moved with unusual care, flipping pancakes onto a plate, drizzling syrup in small, careful circles. He wanted it to look perfect. He wanted this morning to be different, a balm to soothe over last night’s silence and the cold wall Amelia had began building against him, again.

At the clatter of a bedroom door upstairs, Adrian paused, listening. Small feet pattered against the hardwood floor, growing louder. Hazel. His lips curved into a smile before she even appeared.

The little girl skipped her way into the dining area, her nightdress swaying around her small frame, her curly hair slightly tousled from sleep. Her face lit up when she saw the dining table already dressed. Covered ceramic plates waited at each setting, steam faintly escaping from the lids.

Her brown eyes widened, and a delighted smile broke across her face. 

“Wow!”

She ran to her seat and climbed into the chair, resting her small elbows on the edge of the table as she stared at the dishes with all the anticipation of a child on Christmas morning. Just then, Adrian emerged from the kitchen carrying a glass jar of water.

When his eyes met hers, his whole face softened into the broadest smile.

“Hello, little princess,” he said warmly, setting the jar carefully in the middle of the table.

“Good morning, Daddy!” Hazel’s voice was bright, full of joy.

Adrian stepped closer and brushed a hand over her hair affectionately. 

“And how is my favorite girl in the whole wide world?”

“I’m fine, Daddy. I’m really, really fine!” She giggled, her eyes darting once more to the covered plates. “Did you make all this?”

“Yes, baby,” Adrian replied proudly, puffing his chest a little. “I got up early just to make something special for my princess. Because today, I wanted you to wake up to the best breakfast you have ever had.”

Her mouth fell open in a small “O.” 

“For me?”

“For you,” he repeated, lowering his voice playfully, “and for Mommy too. But mostly for you.” He winked.

Hazel’s laughter rang through the room, innocent and sweet. She reached for the lid of the plate in front of her, eager fingers hovering.

“Can I open it, Daddy?”

Adrian chuckled, holding up a hand. 

“Not yet, princess. Not just yet.”

She pouted, and he bent closer. 

“I need you to do something for me first. Go upstairs, or maybe not even upstairs, go find Mommy and tell her Daddy says she should come down for the most sumptuous breakfast ever made.”

Hazel giggled at the big word “sumptuous” though she clearly didn’t understand it. Still, she nodded eagerly. 

“Okay, Daddy!”

She shoved her chair back noisily, the legs scraping against the floor, then hopped off and skipped out of the dining.

Adrian straightened, pacing the room once, running his hand nervously over his jaw. He hoped Amelia would come. He hoped she would at least sit with them, even if she still wouldn’t speak to him. Last night’s silence had gnawed at him, and he couldn’t bear Hazel noticing it too much.

But Hazel didn’t have to go far. At the mouth of the stairs, she bumped into Amelia, who was already making her way down.

“Mommy!” Hazel squealed, throwing her arms around her mother’s waist. “Daddy says you should come down for the most sumptuous breakfast ever!”

Amelia blinked at her daughter’s enthusiasm, then smiled faintly. She bent down, kissing Hazel’s forehead, and wrapped her arms around her. 

“Did he now?”

“Yes!” Hazel chirped. “Come on, Mommy, you will see. It is the best ever.”

Amelia sighed softly but allowed her daughter to tug her along. Together, they walked toward the dining. Amelia’s hair was tied back neatly, and though she had not yet fully dressed for the day, she carried herself with her usual quiet grace.

As soon as they entered the dining, Hazel skipped back to her seat, her eyes glowing. Adrian was already waiting. He shoved back a chair politely for his wife. 

“Good morning,” he said softly, his tone tentative, as though he were afraid of breaking glass.

Amelia nodded, not looking directly at him, and lowered herself into the seat. Her movements were calm, almost too calm, the kind of stillness that made Adrian’s chest tighten. She didn’t want to fight, but she wasn’t ready to forgive.

Once she was seated, Adrian slid into his chair opposite her. He picked up his fork, then glanced toward Hazel, whose small face was practically vibrating with excitement.

“Can I open it now, Daddy?” she asked, bouncing slightly in her chair.

Adrian chuckled and raised a hand. 

“Well… yes, princess. Open it.”

Hazel lifted the lid dramatically, her eyes widening the moment the steam wafted out. Golden pancakes stacked neatly, scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and toast glistening with butter lay before her.

Her smile deepened into a grin. 

“Mmm! I knew this would be delicious!” She picked up her fork at once and dug into the food, taking a big bite. Her eyes fluttered shut as she chewed. 

“So delicious, Daddy!”

Adrian leaned forward, his heart warming at the sight. 

“You like it, baby?”

“I love it, Daddy! You are the best!”

Amelia’s lips curved despite herself. She watched her daughter chew happily, cheeks puffed with food, and couldn’t help but smile.

“And you, princess,” Adrian added quickly, catching Amelia’s fleeting smile, “you are the best in the world. But Mommy hasn’t tasted yet. And I know she will love it too.”

He reached forward, uncovering the plate set before Amelia. Steam rose up, carrying the scent of syrup and bacon. For a moment, Amelia’s lips parted as if she wanted to thank him, but then her eyes shifted to him, really looked at him and the smile faded.

She said nothing.

Adrian’s hand lingered for a second before he withdrew it slowly. He picked up his fork, forcing a smile for Hazel’s sake. 

“Shall we eat?”

Hazel didn’t wait for permission. She was already munching happily, swinging her feet under the table, humming little sounds of satisfaction.

Amelia picked up her fork at last. She cut a piece of pancake and tasted it. It was good. Very good, in fact. But no matter how delicious, the flavor could not drown out the bitter taste of last night.

Adrian watched her discreetly, his chest heavy with hope and fear. He wanted her smile back. He wanted her trust back. He wanted his family to feel whole again.

At that table, only Hazel’s laughter filled the air.

And though the morning light poured generously through the windows, the quiet between husband and wife remained, just as heavy as the night before.