It's in the eyes. Always the eyes.

Chapter Eighteen| Unprecedented Events

         Penny's morning was a quiet one, the kind of quiet that settled deep in her bones and made the world feel emptier than it really was. Two weeks. Two weeks since Crash, Coco, and Aku-Aku had left on their mission with that strange, glowing mask. Two weeks since the house had been filled with laughter, chatter, and the sound of footsteps running up and down the halls.

Now, as she moved through the house, all Penny could hear was the soft hum of nature outside—the distant waves crashing against the shore, the birds chirping in the trees. It was peaceful, sure, but it wasn't the kind of peace she craved. She longed for the lively chaos that Crash and Coco brought into her life, the way they filled every room with their energy and warmth.

Penny sighed as she made her way to the kitchen, deciding to fix herself a simple breakfast. She set about cracking eggs into a bowl, the familiar routine doing little to lift the heaviness in her heart. It felt strange, making breakfast just for herself. She was so used to preparing meals for all of them, setting out plates with care, listening to Crash's cheerful babble as he helped set the table or sneak bites of food before it was ready.

She stirred the eggs absentmindedly, her thoughts drifting to Crash. His absence was the hardest to bear. She missed his goofy grin, the way his eyes lit up when he saw her, the warmth of his arms around her when they sat together on the couch. She missed the way he made her feel safe, cherished, like she was the most important person in the world.

But she knew why they were gone. They were out there, saving the world, just like they always did. She was proud of them—proud of Crash for his courage, proud of Coco for her intelligence, proud of Aku-Aku for guiding them. And yet, that pride did little to ease the ache in her chest.

Penny shook her head, trying to push the sadness away. "I shouldn't diminish myself," she murmured to herself, the words half-hearted. "Crash wouldn't want me to feel so down." She knew he'd want her to stay positive, to keep going, but it was hard when every day felt like it stretched on forever without them.

She sighed again, finishing up the scrambled eggs and sliding them onto a plate. Sitting down at the table, she picked at her food, the silence around her a constant reminder of how alone she was. But as much as she missed them, she knew she had to be strong. For Crash, for Coco, for herself. She just had to hold on a little longer, until they came back home.

Another week had dragged on, and Penny felt the weight of her loneliness pressing down on her. Crash, Coco, and Aku-Aku had been gone for so long, and the worry that gnawed at her grew stronger with each passing day. Her mind spun in circles, imagining every possible disaster—Crash getting hurt, Coco being in danger. She knew they were strong, but the uncertainty was unbearable.

Unable to sit still with her thoughts, Penny decided she needed to get out of the house. She rushed into her room, grabbing her cream-colored sling bag, filling it with extra pairs of fabric, spools of thread, and her favorite hoop. She needed the comfort of her embroidery and the soothing environment of her special spot by the waterfall.

When she arrived at the secluded waterfall, the familiar sounds and sights welcomed her. The morning sun bathed the area in warmth, and Penny felt the tension in her chest begin to ease.

As Penny settled into the familiar warmth of the morning sun, the sounds of nature gradually eased her mind. The gentle rush of the waterfall, the soft rustling of leaves, and the distant chirping of tropical birds felt like a comforting lullaby, coaxing her nerves to relax. The sunlight filtering through the trees wrapped her in a gentle embrace, offering a sense of peace she hadn't felt in days.