Morning came quietly.
Ellen had just woken up. She stretched, then carefully made her bed before walking to the small washbasin to brush her teeth. When she finished, she turned toward the other bed where her little brother was still buried under the blanket.
She sighed.
"Max… Max," she called softly, nudging him. "Why are you such a big sleepyhead? Wake up."
Max barely stirred.
Ellen folded her arms, thinking for a moment. Then suddenly, an idea crossed her mind.
"Guess what's for breakfast," she said loudly. "Mom's making pancakes."
Max shot up immediately, rubbing his eyes and faking a huge yawn.
"Pancakes? Ooh!"
Ellen couldn't help but chuckle.
"Come on," she said. "Let's go brush your teeth."
Max climbed out of bed at once, suddenly full of energy.
As they walked down the stairs, the sweet smell of syrup drifted through the house and filled the air. Max's eyes widened, and he bounced excitedly on the steps.
"Pancakes! Pancakes!"
When they reached the kitchen, Max ran straight to their mother, who was standing by the stove flipping pancakes.
She laughed as he threw his arms around her legs and quickly picked him up.
"Someone smells breakfast already," she teased.
Then she looked over his shoulder.
"Ellen," she called, "come help set the table, dear. Your father will be down soon."
"Okay, Mom," Ellen replied.
She began placing the plates and cups on the table just as heavy footsteps sounded on the stairs.
Their father appeared moments later, looking tired but smiling faintly.
Before long, they were all sitting together eating breakfast, while Max stuffed pancakes into his mouth and talked nonstop.
Ellen laughed as syrup dripped down his chin.
Morning felt warm, simple… and ordinary.
She had no idea it would be the last ordinary morning of her life.