Bella loved the breakfast spread so much that she almost forgot to breathe between bites. Warm buttery toast, scrambled eggs, fruit bowls glistening with morning dew, soft pancakes with honey drizzled on top, everything arranged beautifully on the low outdoor table. And around her, everyone she adored sat close, talking, laughing, stealing food from each other's plates like loud, overgrown children.
Her heart felt full in a way she hadn't known for years. She loved moments like these, where the morning sun warmed her back and the sound of her friends' laughter curled around her like something soft. Still, a tiny part of her missed her other circle too, especially Theo. He had messaged her that he would come soon, but there was no news after that.
Meanwhile, things on the other side of the table were far from calm.
"Dominique, stop stealing my pancake!"
"I didn't steal it, Jason, you put it too close to my plate!"
"That doesn't mean… hey! Casper, you saw him! Tell him!"
