The Calm Before the Storm
It was a truce and James knew that. But for now, he relented to the rare moments of stillness.
It was their haven, a retreat from the world where the burdens seemed to lessen. Pine and earth mingled in the warmth of the early-morning sun, and the sense of calm enveloped James as he hadn’t known in years.
Inside, mirthful laughter and the sound of clinking plates resonated from the kitchen. Malik was fighting with Lina again this time about breakfast.
“I swear, if you burn the eggs one more time I’m banning you from the stove,” Malik groaned, waving a spatula around in the air.
Lina grinned as she turned an omelet. “Relax, chef, I’ve got this.”
Sarah shook her head while sitting at the table with a cup of coffee. “This is entertaining. I should’ve recorded th
