Bikeriders Serenade

Quiet Mornings and Warm Reflections

The next morning, Austin woke up to the soft light filtering through the bedroom curtains. He felt better than the day before, though his body still ached, and his throat was sore. His fever had broken overnight, which was a relief. He shifted in bed, trying to stretch his stiff muscles, but the movement caused him to cough. The sound was enough to rouse Lucy, who was sleeping beside him.

She rolled over, her eyes still heavy with sleep, and touched his arm. "How are you feeling, baby?" she asked softly.

Austin blinked, adjusting to the morning light. "A bit better, but not 100%," he croaked, his voice still raspy.

Lucy sat up and gently placed her hand on his forehead. "Good news," she said with a relieved smile. "No fever."

Austin returned her smile, grateful for the small improvement. "Good. I hate running a fever. It always makes me feel like I’m stuck in a fog."

Lucy kissed his temple before getting out of bed. "I’ll make you some tea to help with that sore throat. Why don’t we head downstairs?"

They changed into comfortable clothes, with Lucy donning an oversized sweater and Austin in a t-shirt and sweatpants. As they descended the stairs, the usual clamor of their bustling home was replaced by an almost eerie quiet. The absence of their children’s laughter and footsteps created a serene, almost peaceful atmosphere, but the house felt a little too quiet for Austin’s liking.

The morning sun bathed the kitchen in a soft golden light, making the wooden cabinets and countertops gleam. Austin settled into a chair at the dining table while Lucy moved to the stove, the sound of the kettle starting to boil filling the silence. Austin glanced around their home, taking in the family photos on the walls—pictures from their vacations, birthday parties, and candid moments filled with love.

As Lucy worked in the kitchen, Austin found himself reflecting on their life. He couldn’t help but feel a swell of gratitude. This house, filled with memories, laughter, and a bit of chaos, was everything he had ever wanted. The quiet of the morning made him appreciate it even more. The kids were with his dad and Vicki, and though he missed the noise, he knew this time was necessary for him to recover.

Lucy placed a steaming mug of tea in front of him, the scent of chamomile and honey wafting through the air. "Here you go, baby," she said with a warm smile. "This should help soothe your throat."

"Thanks," Austin said, wrapping his hands around the warm mug. He took a careful sip, the warmth sliding down his throat and easing the soreness. "You always know exactly what I need."

"Of course I do," Lucy replied, sitting beside him with her coffee. "And speaking of needs, why don’t we FaceTime the kids? I’m sure they’d love to see you."

Austin smiled. "Yeah, I miss their crazy energy already."

Lucy pulled out her phone, dialing up Vicki. After a few rings, the screen lit up, and the familiar chaos of his dad’s house came into view. As soon as Vicki answered, the kids—Lori, Timmy, Noah, and Mia—popped into the frame, their bright, smiling faces filling the screen.

"Hi, Daddy!" they all said in unison, their voices bubbling with excitement.

Austin chuckled, the sound turning into a slight cough. "Hey, my little monsters," he said, his voice still a bit hoarse. "I’m feeling a bit better, but not quite there yet."

The kids’ faces showed concern for a moment, but their smiles quickly returned. Lucy pulled up a chair so she could be in the frame. "How are you all doing? Are you having fun with Grandma and Grandpa?"

"Yes!" Lori shouted, while the younger ones nodded enthusiastically, bouncing up and down with energy.

In the background, the cozy chaos of Austin’s dad’s house was on full display. Toys were scattered on the floor, the faint sound of a TV playing cartoons echoed in the distance, and the kids’ jackets were haphazardly thrown over a chair. Vicki’s cheerful voice came through the call. "They’ve been keeping us on our toes, but we’re having a great time."