The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting warm streaks across the kitchen. The smell of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the faint aroma of toast. Eugene rubbed his eyes and stretched, still shaking off sleep, while Edan moved briskly, gathering his bag and checking his watch.
"You're up early," Eugene said, tying his shoes, glancing at his father. "Leaving already? Are you going to the hospital first?"
Edan nodded, a hint of concern in his eyes. "Yeah... I wanted to check on Aria. I wasn't sure if she managed to eat anything last night. I'll drop off her lunch, make sure she's okay, then head to the office." He paused, looking at Eugene. "You'll take Emi to Spencer's first, right?"
Eugene smiled faintly, his hand brushing over Emily's hair as she tugged at his sleeve. "Of course."
Edan chuckled, ruffling Eugen's hair. "Just keep her in line' alright? And don't forget breakfast yourself. You'll need the energy for the day."
"Got it," Eugene said, nodding. He bent down to scoop Emily into his arms. The little girl yawned, clinging to him, her curls tickling his cheek.
"Big bro... chocolate...," she mumbled sleepily, her tiny hands gripping his shirt.
Eugene laughed softly. "Yes, yes, you got your Choco. Now let's get you to Spencer's before you fall asleep standing up."
Edan gave them a warm smile, lingering at the door for a moment. "Be safe, both of you."
Eugene reached Spencer's house, holding Emily's tiny hand. The morning sun streamed through the windows, casting warm patterns on the floor.
"Good morning, Auntie!" he called, giving Annette a cheerful wave.
"Good morning, Eugene. And morning to you too, Emi, " Annette replied, smiling as she arranged a plate of toast at the counter.
Emily rubbed her sleepy eyes and mumbled, "Good morning," before tugging slightly at Eugene's sleeve.
From upstairs, a flurry of energy came bouncing down the stairs.
"Eugene! Did you finish your maths homework?" Leah demanded, her hair bouncing with every step.
"Y-yeah," Eugene said nervously, trying to sound confident as he adjusted his backpack.
Leah's eyes lit up mischievously. "Lend me your notebook, I'll copy it!"
Eugene sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You didn't do your homework again? What were you even doing yesterday?"
Leah struck a heroic pose, pointing dramatically toward the ceiling. "Saving the world! That's why I didn't finish it."
Eugene rolled his eyes, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "Uh-huh... sure. Totally believable."
Annette peering over the counter, shook her head with a gentle frown. "Leah, it's better if you learn to do your work yourself instead of copying from his notebook. "Can you please stop nagging me already?! "
Eugene chuckled softly, glancing down at Emily, who had nestled against his side, her tiny hand gripping his jacket. "Some things never change," he muttered under his breath, shaking his head.
Soon after, he and Leah left the house together, walking down the sunlit street. Leah's energy was boundless, hopping over cracks in the pavement and complaining about having to do homework again. Eugene walked beside her, a small smile on his lips, silently amused at her theatrics.
By the time they reached school, both had settled into their usual seats. Leah immediately pulled out her notebook and started copying her homework, tongue peeking out in concentration. Eugene opened a book, sinking into the quiet routine of the classroom.
Suddenly, a soft, cheerful voice cut through the quiet.
"Hi, Eugene! I made some cookies, wanna try them? "
Eugene looked up, blinking at the girl standing there. The faint aroma of freshly baked cookies drifted across the room, making his stomach rumble.
Eugene froze, blinking at the girl in disbelief. "Huh? Who are you?"
Leah's eyes widened, and she smacked him lightly on the side of his head. "You absolute idiot! How could you not know her? she's Rosalyn, our school belle! Honestly, Eugene, you really are hopeless."
"Rosalyn..." Eugene's stomach twisted violently. Suddenly, the classroom, the cheerful chatter, even the faint smell of cookies, all melted away. His mind was back in the alley.
Eugene's chest tightened, every nerve screaming. The warmth of the classroom now felt suffocating, the cookie's aroma twisting his stomach.
"I... I don't like cookies," he stammered, his voice shaking. Without thinking, he leapt from his seat, the chair clattering behind him, and bolted from the classroom, heart hammering in his chest.
Leah shouted after him, half exasperated, half amused, "Seriously, Eugene! You're impossible."