As another day began, the morning light filtered through the curtains, casting its soft and golden rays inside the cottage. The place smelled faintly of freshly cooked food, the scent traveling from the kitchen.
Despite sleeping late, Ashrik had already woken up. He prepared breakfast as usual, adding fried doughsticks to be paired with some congee and soy milk.
When the slightly sleepy Lucille padded into the kitchen, he was already done. He glanced from the stove, a smile hanging on his lips at the sight of her drowsy face.
"Awake already? Come and have breakfast," he said while scooping the congee into two bowls. A subtle relief flashed across her face.
"Morning, Brother Ash," she greeted, rubbing her eyes. Even after freshening herself up in the washroom, sleepiness still lingered.
Lucille sat across from Ashrik at the table, blinking her eyes a few times. She smiled once she saw the simple but delicious spread before her.
