The morning light filtered through the kitchen windows as Austin flipped pancakes with practiced ease.
The smell of crispy bacon filled the air, mixing with the faint sweetness of maple syrup.
On the counter, color-coded lunchboxes lined up like little soldiers, each one labeled and perfectly packed.
Kaius leaned against the counter behind her, drinking black coffee. He watched her closely, like he was trying to figure her out.
"Which school do they go to?"he asked, voice casual.
Austin didn't even glance at him."If you're that curious, ask them yourself."
Not that the kids would tell him.
By the time they were half a mile from the school, Austin pulled the car to the curb. The boys hopped out, adjusting their backpacks and tossing a lazy wave behind them.
Kaius n
