7 DAYS

Day 5 - SCREAM

~ Morning ~

Kayla woke up very early in the morning when the sun was still hiding behind the clouds. She knew that every Sunday morning her parents would wake up very early to do a bit of morning walk or just do a bit of gardening together and she wouldn't want to miss it for the world. She opened up the curtain. The backyard was still empty. Her brother and his family were still sleeping and she didn't want to bother them because she knew that sometimes Sharon still woke up in the midnight time to pee or when she was thirsty.

Slowly, tried not to make any sound, after brushing her teeth but without changing her cloth, a loose t-shirt and a short, she walked down to the kitchen. With her best effort, she managed to make a large thick cheese omelet with bits of bacon and chopped onion. The omelet was broken in the center when she tried to flip it over, which almost made her screaming and swearing. But she decided to ignore the not-so-pleasant-appearance and put it on the large serving plate as neatly as possible. She was washing the dirty dishes when the kitchen door was opened. "Hey Dad," greeted her cheerfully.

"Morning Sweetie. You're early. Wait, do I smell something? Food?" He stopped near the dining table with a surprised look. Before he could say anything else, the kitchen door was opened again and Katie walked inside the kitchen. "Honey, look at this."

Katie stood next to her husband. They glanced at each other. "She cooked something," she whispered and covered her mouth with her right hand.

"Are you making this? Or just bought this?"

"Dad!" protested Kayla.

Jacob laughed happily. "She cooked. Wow, I must be dreaming. And it's actual food."

Katie helped Kayla put the cleaned dishes on the dish rack. "You did a very good job, Kay. That omelet looks delicious, I am sure it tastes delicious, too."

"Thanks, Ma," Kayla's face was beaming with pride. "See Dad, that's an encouragement. And don't' touch it!"

Jacob's right index finger stopped just a millimeter away from the omelet. "Sweetie, I am just joking. I am already so hungry just by looking at it. But I suppose we have to wait until everybody is up?"

"Yes. Later I will make toasted bread. This time I will make sure I won't burn it. Hey, I have practiced Dad." She fist-bumped Jacob's left arm. "So, what are you going to do now? Gardening or walking?"

"Let's do a bit of walking. My rusty bones need to work harder. I want to still be able to carry my lovely wife with my arms." He winked at Katie, whose face blushed right away.

"You two go, I will tend my garden. Kay, make sure he doesn't run. You need to remind him that he is old now."

"Got it Ma."

They just finished walking when Kayla saw Mrs. Mateo, the front house neighbor, who happened to be Ted's mother. She was watering the flowers and apparently not realizing their presence.

"Kay, let's go inside." Jacob reached out his hand to grab Kayla's hand.

Kayla hesitated for a while, but then she said, "Wait Dad." Without waiting for his reaction, she walked across the street and approached Mrs. Mateo. "Morning, Mrs. Mateo." She stopped and kept her distance, not too close to her, as she could see how surprised the old lady was to see her. "How are you?" She smiled and just waved her right hand.

"Hello, Kayla. I am doing well. Thank you," she answered awkwardly. "How are you?" She lowered down the water hose and let the water flow on the grass.

"I.... Well, I am well, too. Thanks. How is Mr. Mateo?"

"He's not well since yesterday, coughing. It's been a while, but I am sure he will be okay soon. I am glad you are well, I really am."