Echoes of Forgotten

Duwapulo Ket Siyam

The morning sun filtered through the curtains in Lisa's apartment, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. Jennie slowly stirred awake, blinking her eyes open, feeling much better than she had the night before. The scent of something delicious wafted through the air, immediately grabbing her attention.

She swung her legs over the side of the bed, her feet sinking into the soft carpet as she padded out of the bedroom. When she reached the kitchen, she found Lisa standing at the stove, flipping pancakes like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," Lisa said without looking back, her tone playful. She was already dressed in a loose t-shirt and joggers, looking completely at ease in her own space.

Jennie, still feeling groggy, rubbed her eyes and yawned. "Morning... I didn't expect breakfast."

"Of course you didn't. You never eat properly unless someone forces you," Lisa shot back, but her voice was teasing, not harsh.

Jennie walked over to the counter, where a plate was already set with pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. "You didn't have to go all out," Jennie mumbled, but she couldn't hide the smile tugging at her lips.

Lisa turned off the stove and joined her at the table. "Eat up. You still need to recover, and you're not going to any meetings today."

At that, Jennie froze mid-bite. "Wait, what? No! I have like three meetings today—there's no way I can take a day off."

Lisa leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms with an amused smirk. "You're not going anywhere, Jennie. I already told Mini to reschedule everything for you."

Jennie's eyes widened. "You what?!" She stood up, half in shock, half in protest. "I can't take the day off! I have so much work—"

Lisa cut her off with a raised hand. "No arguments. You're still recovering, and I'm not letting you run yourself ragged again. Besides, you've been pushing yourself too hard, and it's time you take a break."

Jennie narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms in defiance. "Lisa, I'm fine. I can handle it. You don't need to babysit me."

Lisa leaned forward, resting her chin in her hand with a lazy smile. "You sure? Because you were pretty much passed out from fever last night. I'm not taking any chances. You're staying here today, end of discussion."

Jennie huffed, pouting like a child. "I'm not a baby, you know. I can take care of myself."

Lisa's smirk widened. "You're acting like one right now."

Jennie glared at her, but there was no real heat behind it. "You're impossible."

"And you're stubborn," Lisa shot back, her tone light. "Now sit down and finish your breakfast. We're taking the day off, and there's nothing you can do about it."

Jennie plopped back down into her seat, mumbling under her breath. "This isn't fair. I have so much work to do..."

Lisa couldn't help but chuckle at Jennie's childish behavior. "You're worse than a kid, Jennie. Just enjoy the day off. When was the last time you actually took a break?"

Jennie poked at her pancakes with her fork, still sulking. "I don't know... I've been busy. But I don't need a break."

Lisa raised an eyebrow. "You were burning up with a fever yesterday, and you still don't think you need a break? Come on, just relax for one day."

Jennie sighed, finally relenting. "Fine... but only because you cooked."

"Glad to see you finally listen to reason," Lisa said with a wink, earning an eye roll from Jennie.