Songbird

Chapter 2

The best way to describe the building was average. The house was a modern, one-story building with two bedrooms, a kitchen, one bathroom, a living room, and a tiny backyard. Avis tiptoed up the steps of her home and quietly set her latté on the rim of the window. Festooned from the ceiling was a hammock that took up most of the front deck. Bending over, Avis lifted the front mat, revealing a key. Turning the lock, Avis let herself inside.

Upon her entrance, Avis was greeted by her Miniature Schnauzer, Murphy. Murphy span in circles, wagging his short, little stump of a tail. He made a small yipping noise, then bolted over towards the kitchen. Avis walked inside, closed the door, and took off her shoes. As she followed Murphy into the kitchen, she could hear sizzling from a pan. Soon the sweet sent of sausage invaded Avis's nose.

Working on the stove was Avis's mother. She had her brown hair tied back into a pony-tail and was wearing a simple apron with blue, floral designs. Avis tried to sneak into the kitchen, but Murphy's sudden excitement gave her away.

"Where have you been lately?" Her mother had turned around to face her. The small smile she wore told Avis that it was only a question, but she should still answer it.

    "I went to the local cafe, just a few blocks down." Avis held up her latté as proof. She paused for a moment, but then went on to talk about Joshua and Lisa.

"They sound sweet! I bet they both attend that small Elementary school just down the road." Avis nodded to her mother's words. On the stove were two pans, one for the sausage and the other for the eggs. Next to the stove was a waffle maker; a new round of waffles in the midst of baking.

"If 'Brunch' is the term used to describe eating breakfast for lunch, what do you call eating breakfast for dinner?"

"Brinner?"

Both Avis and her mother laughed genuinely.

When the food was finished cooking, Avis helped set the table. She grabbed the silver wear and plates, setting them down on the round table neatly. The napkins were folded into little triangles, something Avis had loved to do ever since she was younger. And lastly, a small candle was lit in the center of the table to add a pleasant, cozy feeling to the room.

The hearty brinner seemed to hit the spot for both of them. Avis couldn't help but feel bad for not helping her mother prepare it. As they both started to wash the dishes by hand, a comfortable silence seemed to arise. Conversation wasn't needed to keep the energy alive. The occasional splash of water would come flying towards Avis's face, and she would be ready to retaliate with another playful splash.