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𝙰𝚃𝙻𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙰, 𝙶𝙰 - 𝟾:𝟸𝟾 𝙰.𝙼. ——
The mid-morning sunlight peeked through the blinds, gently nudging Haven awake. She lifted her head for a moment, squinting against the light before turning over on her side, sidestepping the intrusive blinds.
Her fingers moved across the bed, searching for her phone until the cool touch of her sleek phone case met her hand. With a soft sigh, she checked the time, reluctantly acknowledging that today was; her & Cairo's two year anniversary.
Despite her want to linger in bed, Haven resisted the temptation and swung her legs over the edge. As she moved towards the bathroom, the comforting scent of cinnamon greeted her senses, signaling her mother's early rise and presence in the kitchen. The specific aroma triggered a wave of nostalgia, taking her back to a time when she used to wake up in her parents' home.
Her room was a testament to her parents' refusal to let go of her belongings, and Haven couldn't help but appreciate the familiarity of the surroundings. The bed frame, dresser, and room decor remained unchanged, providing a comforting link to the past.
Haven's footsteps echoed across the tile flooring as she entered the kitchen, where her stepfather stood over the stove, handling breakfast. His gaze flicked towards her, a warm smile curving his lips."Good morning,"
"Good morning," she replied, taking a seat on the island. "I thought mom would be up. I smelled the candle and thought she was in here."
"She lit that before she left. She went to go pick up your grandmother and take her to the grocery store." He turned towards her, setting a plate down. "Here's your breakfast."
"Thank you."
Donavan and Haven enjoyed their breakfast in silence. Some minutes later, Donavan stood up to place his plate in the sink before looking back at Haven. His keen eyes didn't miss the subtle weight in her demeanor, knowing well the absence of Cairo had been affecting her. It was evident as Haven had been spending more time at her parent's home than her own.
"Let's talk," Donavan spoke, his perceptive gaze softening as he settled back beside her.
"About?"
"You, however, you are feeling, Your thoughts." He listed off a few things. "Or, anything else you want to talk about. I'm here to listen."
"I don't have much to say."
"Haven stop. I'm your dad, I'm not just some random person. I know my daughter, You haven't been talking to anyone about how you have been feeling for the past few weeks. It's okay to talk about it, I'm not here to judge your relationship."
Haven savored the last bite of her toast, basking in the taste of strawberry jelly that greeted her taste buds. She quietly finished a few more mouthfuls before accepting her stepdad's invitation.
