𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝟮 𝗠𝗬 𝗨𝗡𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗡 ━━━━━ 𝘁𝘂𝗽𝗮𝗰 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗸𝘂𝗿.

059.

' FRI , MAY 27TH 1996. '
jasmine and tyrell's residence  ⸻
los angeles, california !

     I STAND BY THE STOVE gently stirring Zahir's oatmeal, feeling a deep sense of contentment that has been so elusive lately. The soft bubbling of the oats and the steady hum of the refrigerator create a soothing rhythm, grounding me in the peaceful simplicity of this morning.

Zahir, always so full of energy and life, bangs his little hands on the tray of his high chair, babbling away with the kind of excited chatter that only toddlers seem capable of. His big brown eyes sparkle with curiosity as he watches me move around the kitchen, and I can't help but smile at his boundless enthusiasm. He's so full of life, so happy, and it fills my heart in ways that are hard to explain.

"Alright, little man," I say, grabbing the bowl of oatmeal and bringing it over to him, watching how his eyes adorably brighten up at the mere sight of food. "Breakfast is served."

I scoop a spoonful of the warm, creamy oats, blowing on it lightly to cool it down before bringing it to his mouth. Zahir eagerly opens his tiny mouth, chomping down on the spoon as I feed him. His face lights up with pure joy as he tastes the oatmeal, and a little dribble escapes from the corner of his mouth. I can't help but chuckle at the sight of it.

I laugh softly, reaching for a napkin to wipe his chin. "You're such a messy eater," I tease, and he responds with a delighted squeal, kicking his legs happily in his high chair. The sound of his laughter fills the kitchen, a sweet melody that never fails to lift my spirits.

As I continue feeding him, I can't shake this feeling of happiness that's settled over me. It's a calm, quiet kind of happiness, the kind that comes from knowing that, somehow, things are starting to fall into place. Last night was . . . perfect. Thinking about it now brings a warm blush to my cheeks that I'm sure Jasmine will notice the moment she sees me.

Just as I finish feeding Zahir the last bite of his breakfast, Jasmine appears in the doorway, her hair still a little tousled from sleep. She leans against the doorframe, watching us with a soft smile playing on her lips.

"Morning, Mama Bear," She greets, her voice still raspy from the sleep that lingers on her face, eyes heavy and hair messy. "You look . . . happy."

I glance up at her, unable to keep from smiling as I continue wiping Zahir's face. "Is it that obvious?" I ask with a small laugh, even though I already know the answer. If there's anything I know for sure about my older sister, I know that she's able to read me like a book.

"Very," Jasmine replies, moving into the kitchen and grabbing a mug from the cabinet an excited smile growing on her face. "Something happened, didn't it? You got that 'I just had a great night' glow going on . .  Come on you can tell me anything."

I can't help but smile even wider as I unbuckle Zahir from his high chair and set him down to play with his toys on the floor. "I went out with Kairo last night," I admit, trying to keep the excitement out of my voice but failing miserably. Jasmine's eyes widen in amusement as she pours herself a cup of coffee. "Ooooh, now I have to hear all about it. Spill!"

I can't stop the smile that spreads across my face as I think back to last night. "It was really nice, Jasmine. He's . . . amazing." Jasmine grins as she takes a sip of her coffee, leaning against the counter. "I knew it! I could tell from the way you talked about him before that he was special."

I lean against the counter, my thoughts drifting back to last night. "He really is. He's thoughtful and sweet . . . and he's funny. He just makes me feel comfortable, you know? Like I can just be myself around him and I don't gotta have to worry about anything."