Anna
The kitchen smelled like heaven.
Warm sugar, melted chocolate, and the faint tang of strawberries filled the air, wrapping around me like a comforting hug. The soft hum of the oven blended with the upbeat pop music playing from my phone, creating a rhythm that made everything feel… normal. Peaceful. Safe.
For the first time since everything had started spiraling out of control, my mind wasn’t racing.
My cupcakes were almost done. I leaned slightly against the counter, watching through the oven glass as they rose perfectly, golden and soft. This time, I had gone all out. Three different frostings sat neatly arranged beside me, chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla, each in piping bags ready to be used. On the other side of the counter, trays of brownies cooled slowly, while two batche
