The Bonds We Keep

A Morning of Comfort

Estella's POV

The next morning, the house is unusually quiet. I wake up feeling better but still a bit groggy from the day before. The nausea has passed, though a lingering tiredness clings to me. I stretch under my blanket, noticing the stillness in the house, except for Ethan, who's curled up on the floor in a blanket cocoon, right where he must've fallen asleep after the movie last night.

I smile, feeling a surge of gratitude for everyone who helped me through the rough evening. Quietly, I slip out of the blanket, careful not to wake Ethan, and make my way to the kitchen. The smell of coffee fills the air, and I spot Jasper already sitting at the counter, his laptop open and his favorite mug in hand.

"Morning, sleepyhead," he greets me with a smile, closing the laptop. "How're you feeling?"

"Better," I say, my voice a little raspy. "Much better, actually."

"Good to hear," he says, getting up to pour me a cup of herbal tea. "I made your favorite."

I take the warm mug from him, wrapping my hands around it for comfort. "Thanks, Jasper," I say, taking a sip and feeling the soothing warmth spread through me.

He watches me for a moment, like he's assessing if I'm really okay. "No pain? No nausea?"

I laugh softly, shaking my head. "I'm fine, promise."

Satisfied, he leans back against the counter, taking another sip of his coffee. "I was thinking of making pancakes for breakfast," he says, gesturing to his laptop where a recipe is pulled up. "Gluten-free, and celiac friendly of course."

"That sounds amazing," I reply, feeling my appetite finally returning. "Let me help."

I start getting the griddle ready while Jasper whisks together the batter. As we work, the peacefulness of the morning settles over us—just the two of us awake, moving around the kitchen quietly. That is, until Milo walks in, his hair still damp from his morning shower, and yawns as he grabs a seat at the counter.

"What's for breakfast?" he asks, rubbing his eyes.

"Gluten-free pancakes," I say with a smile, already stacking a plate for him.

"Nice. Count me in," he says, reaching for the syrup.

Before long, the kitchen starts to fill up with the rest of my brothers. Ethan finally drags himself off the floor, still wrapped in his blanket like a human burrito. Becks stumbles in next, followed by Luca and Atlas, who are clearly still half-asleep. Jasper serves up pancake after pancake, and soon the kitchen is filled with chatter and the smell of maple syrup.

Just as we're all digging in, the door to my parents' room opens, and Mom walks in, followed by Dad. They look a little tired—probably up late checking on me like everyone else—but their smiles are soft and full of warmth as they see us all gathered around.

"Good morning, my loves," Mom says, coming over to give me a gentle hug from behind. "How are you feeling today, sweetheart?"

I smile up at her. "Much better," I say, meaning it. She presses a kiss to my forehead before grabbing herself a cup of coffee and sitting next to Dad at the island.

Dad rests a hand on my shoulder, looking down at the stack of pancakes in front of me. "Pancakes, huh? Save some for your old man?"

"There's plenty," Jasper says with a grin. "But you've gotta fight for the last one."

Dad chuckles as he grabs a plate. "I'll take my chances."

Mom sips her coffee, watching us all with that contented look she gets when the whole family is together. "It's nice seeing everyone up and about this morning," she says. "Especially after last night."

I feel a twinge of guilt, remembering how the night ended abruptly with me feeling sick, but Mom gives me a reassuring smile, like she knows what I'm thinking.

Dad catches the look on my face and ruffles my hair gently. "Hey, don't worry about that," he says. "We're just glad you're feeling better."

I nod, a little overwhelmed by their care but comforted by it too. "Thanks, Dad."

"You know," Mom says, changing the subject with a smile, "I was thinking we could spend the day together once everyone finishes their schoolwork or errands. Maybe watch a movie or play some board games."

Everyone chimes in, excited at the idea of a relaxed family day. Beckett immediately starts pitching an animated movie —Wall-E—naturally, while Atlas suggests we play a new board game he's been obsessed with.

Dad grins, shaking his head at the movie debate. "Whatever you guys decide, I'm in. Just let me eat first."

Jasper slides him a fresh plate of pancakes, and Dad digs in, grateful. As we all sit together, the kitchen filled with laughter and teasing, the heaviness from the night before fades away. The pancakes are perfect—light, fluffy, and delicious, thanks to Jasper's culinary skills—and for the first time in a while, I feel completely at ease.

As the morning wears on, the conversation flows easily, and it feels like nothing else in the world matters except this moment. Surrounded by my family, the smells of breakfast, and the soft chatter, I feel like everything is going to be okay.

When breakfast wraps up, everyone pitches in to clean, and then we migrate to the living room, ready for a full day of games, movies, and just being together. Beckett calls dibs on the first movie, and as we all settle into the couch, I find my spot nestled between Atlas and Luca, with Ethan sitting by my feet, he didn't like to be far from me.

The early morning light filters in, casting a warm glow over us, and as the movie starts, I feel a peacefulness settle in. There'll be other tough days, I know, but right now, in this moment, everything feels perfect. My family, our laughter, the warmth of the day—it's all I need.

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A/N

Word Count: 966

What's your favorite breakfast food?

Mine's blueberry waffles.

Love ya. XOXO