Penny's POV
The smell of coffee drags me out of bed. The house feels calm — sunlight spilling across the hardwood floors, birds chattering outside, and the low hum of the kettle in the kitchen.
Andrew had slipped out before sunrise, muttering something about laundry and "finally paying bills like an adult." I didn't push; part of me was grateful for space to think.
I wander downstairs, Nick's already at the table in his pajamas, his hair sticking up like a startled hedgehog. He's pouring an ungodly amount of syrup over his pancakes.
"Morning," I say, grabbing a mug.
He eyes me over his fork. "Morning. You look like you haven't slept."
"Thanks." I sit, wrapping both hands around my coffee. "Way to boost my confidence."
He smirks. "Just saying. Dark circles are real."
I roll my eyes, but my chest feels lighter. This — the banter, the sibling honesty — I'll miss this when I'm gone.
Mom walks in with a bowl of fruit. "Eat something green, Nicholas."
