Back at the penthouse, Sara dumped all the groceries onto the central counter before immediately tossing the popsicles into the refrigerator so they wouldn't melt. Then, she grabbed a pot, placed it on the stove, and turned up the heat.
She tapped her phone, playing the voice note from her mother, who patiently guided her step by step through making the soup.
"Let it cook for half an hour, but don't leave it unattended! Check it every five to ten minutes—don't burn it!" her mother warned at the end of the message.
Sara chuckled, already half-distracted as she reached for her favorite Rice Krispies, unwrapped one, and bit into it with a satisfying crunch. She continued cooking while munching away, nodding absentmindedly at her mother's instructions.
Her gaze flickered to the bowl near t
