ROOSEVELT’S POV

"Mama, can I have extra syrup today?" Lorna asked, kicking her feet under the kitchen island.

"Only if you promise to eat all your strawberries first, bug," I smiled, placing a warm plate of pancakes in front of her.

The swinging door of the kitchen slowly pushed open, and Mina walked in with her head bowed low.

"I am sorry, Roosevelt, I didn't know you were in here," Mina whispered, shrinking back against the wall and clutching a dusting cloth to her chest.

"It is fine, Mina, you can clean the sink," I said softly, taking a sip of my ginger tea.

footsteps echoed down the hallway, and...