MALIA’S POV

That everything was changing.

“Come on, Mommy!” Ella called from the doorway, tugging Joan’s hand as they skipped toward the kitchen. “Let’s go make pancakes!”

I smiled, following after them with Zach close behind. The kitchen was warm and bright, sunlight streaming through the windows as the smell of fresh batter filled the air. Zach immediately got to work, mixing ingredients and flipping pancakes with practised ease. The girls took their places at the counter, eagerly watching him with wide eyes.

I leaned against the counter, watching them. For a moment, it felt so… normal. Like we were just a regular family, spending a lazy morning together. But...