Through the flame

Amber's POV

Saturday mornings in the Gates household were sacred. The scent of pancakes and freshly brewed coffee filled the air as the morning sunlight spilled through the dining room window, casting golden streaks across the table. It was a crisp fall morning, with a gentle breeze that hinted at the cooler days ahead.

Chloe was already at the table, her small hands gripping a fork as she poked at her scrambled eggs. She had a mischievous look on her face, which could only mean one thing—she was about to do something she wasn't supposed to.

"Morning, sleepyhead," Dad teased, glancing up from his newspaper. His warm blue eyes—eyes I'd inherited—twinkled as he folded the paper and set it aside.

"Morning," I mumbled, still groggy from a late night of studying. I slid into my usual seat as Mom appeared from the kitchen, balancing a tray piled high with pancakes.

"You're lucky we didn't start without you," Mom said with a grin, placing the tray on the table.

I gave her an exaggerated yawn. "Thanks for the warning, Mom."

Chloe giggled as she used her fork to draw patterns in her eggs, completely ignoring the plate of pancakes in front of her.

"Chloe," Mom said firmly, her hands on her hips. "Eat your food. Stop playing with it."

"Yes, Mommy," Chloe said, her voice small as she reluctantly took a bite.

Dad chuckled softly, shaking his head. "That girl could find a way to make eating a chore."

"Now, Amber," Mom began, taking her seat. "How's school? We haven't had a chance to hear about your week properly."

Dad nodded. "Tell us everything. And don't leave anything out."

I reached for a pancake, stalling for time. "It's been fine. Busy, but fine."

"Fine?" Mom pressed, her brow arching. "That's all you're giving us? Come on, Amber, give us details."

"Well," I started, cutting into my pancake. "Classes are good. The professors are tough, but I expected that. I've made a few friends, and the workload is… manageable so far."

"Do you miss Richard?" Chloe piped up suddenly, her innocent question making me choke on my orange juice.

"Chloe!" I sputtered, glaring at her.

"What?" she said with a shrug. "I'm just asking."

Dad frowned, setting his coffee mug down. "We don't need to talk about him."

Mom glanced at me, her expression curious. "Have you heard from him at all?"

"No," I said firmly. "We broke up, remember? And he moved to Georgia."

"Good riddance," Dad muttered, earning a disapproving look from Mom.

"I never liked that boy for you anyway," she admitted. "Too much of a smooth talker, not enough substance."

"Can we not do this?" I asked, my cheeks heating up.

"Fine, fine," Mom said with a wave of her hand. "But if there's anyone else we should know about, you'd tell us, right?"

I rolled my eyes. "There's no one, Mom. Trust me, there's nothing much for you guys today please."

"Enough about me," I said, eager to change the subject. I turned to Chloe, who was busy picking at her food again. "How was your week, squirt?"

Chloe's face lit up. "It was good! But there's this boy in my class who's so annoying. He keeps pulling my ponytail and making fun of my handwriting."

"Oh, really?" Dad said, his tone protective. "What's his name?"

"Evan," Chloe said, scrunching up her nose. "He's mean."

"Sounds like someone needs to learn some manners," Dad muttered.

"Ignore him, Chloe," Mom said gently. "Boys like that are just trying to get attention."

"Well, I don't like it," Chloe said, crossing her arms.

I bit back a laugh. "Maybe he has a crush on you, Chloe."

"Eww!" Chloe said, sticking out her tongue.

Her antics lightened the mood, and soon the room was filled with laughter. By the time we finished breakfast, the table was littered with empty plates and napkins, and I felt a sense of peace I hadn't felt all week.

As I helped Mom clear the table, she nudged me gently. "I know we tease, but we're proud of you, Amber. You're going to do great things."

"Thanks, Mom," I said, smiling softly.

The weather outside was still beautiful as I stepped onto the porch, taking a moment to soak it in. The breeze was cool, but the sunlight was warm, a perfect balance.

For a moment, I allowed myself to simply breathe, grateful for mornings like this.

The door opened, Dad stepped out dressed up for work., he work towards me and gave me a peck on both cheeks, "I'm off to work, I love you" he said as he walks towards his car, I love you too dad I replied while smiling and waving at him goodbye.