Eternal Echoes ✔

Chapter 15: Greatful Morning Breakfast

Rachel and Michael stepped out of the guest room and into the cozy living room, where the scent of warm bread and the laughter of children greeted them. The morning light streamed through the windows, casting a soft glow over the room.

Elizabeth was bustling around the kitchen, her golden curls bouncing with each movement, as she prepared breakfast. Peter and Jacob were seated at the table, their faces lit up with smiles as they chatted animatedly.

"Good morning, sleepyheads," Elizabeth greeted them, her voice warm and inviting. "I heope you slept well."

Rachel and Michael exchanged a tired but grateful glance. "Good morning, Elizabeth," Rachel replied, returning the warm smile. "We did, thank you. I'm sorry we didn't wake up earlier to help you."

Elizabeth waved off Rachel's apology with a smile. "Oh, don't worry about it, dear," she said, her tone reassuring. "You needed your rest. But if you'd like to help now, I could use an extra pair of hands in the kitchen."

Rachel nodded eagerly. "Of course, I'd be happy to help," she said, glancing at Michael for confirmation.

Michael, not exactly proficient in the kitchen, smiled and turned his attention to Peter and Jacob. "How about I keep these two company?" he suggested, his voice warm and friendly.

Elizabeth smiled gratefully at Michael. "Thank you, Michael. That would be a great help," she said, gesturing towards the living room. "The boys will be delighted to have you play with them."

Peter and Jacob's faces lit up with excitement, and they eagerly led Michael over to a pile of toys in the corner of the room. Michael couldn't help but smile at the two young boys, his heart warmed by their infectious enthusiasm.

Rachel smiled at the scene before turning back to Elizabeth. "What can I do to help?" she asked, ready to assist with whatever task was at hand.

Elizabeth smiled warmly at Rachel. "If you could set the table, that would be wonderful," she replied, handing her a stack of plates and utensils. "Breakfast will be ready in just a few minutes."

Rachel nodded, taking the plates and utensils from Elizabeth. "Absolutely, consider it done," she said with a smile, moving to the dining area to set the table.

As Rachel set the table, she couldn't help but steal a glance at Elizabeth in the kitchen. The warm morning light cast a soft glow around her, and for a moment, Rachel's heart skipped a beat as she imagined Olivia standing there instead, her bright smile lighting up the room.

The image was so vivid that Rachel had to blink several times to shake off the illusion. It wasn't Olivia standing there; it was Elizabeth Hawthorne, the kind woman who had offered them shelter and kindness.

Despite the momentary confusion, Rachel couldn't help but feel a pang of longing for the peaceful life she had always imagined with Olivia. The simple domestic scene before her felt like a glimpse into the life she had always wanted, filled with warmth, love, and companionship.

Shaking herself out of her reverie, Rachel forced a smile and turned her attention back to setting the table. But the image of Olivia in the kitchen lingered in her mind, a bittersweet reminder of the life she longed to have.

When she finished setting the table, Rachel glanced over at Michael, who was sitting on the floor with Peter and Jacob, playing with a set of wooden blocks. She couldn't help but smile at the sight, grateful for his easy rapport with the two young boys.

As Elizabeth bustled around the kitchen, Rachel couldn't help but admire her effortless grace. She moved with a sense of purpose, yet there was a gentleness in her demeanor that put Rachel at ease.