The smell of sizzling bacon and fresh coffee drifted through the house, drawing sleepy footsteps from every corner.
Morning sunlight poured gently through the kitchen windows, casting golden streaks across the countertops where Julie and Jessica were already hard at work.
The quiet clatter of pans and the soft murmur of conversation filled the warm space.
Despite the early hour, both women looked surprisingly fresh, hair tied up, sleeves rolled, and laughter slipping easily between them as they worked side by side.
They moved like a well-practiced team, chopping, stirring, and plating with effortless rhythm.
"Did you see that video of Darren Lee falling off the stage during his concert?" Jessica asked with a grin, flipping a pancake with flair.
Julie snorted. "Oh, please. That man's been milking that fall for PR ever since."
Jessica laughed. "It was so dramatic! He rolled twice before stopping. Like he thought he was in an action movie."
