NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 10: Can I Come In ??
Elric woke up to the sound of light footsteps downstairs and the faint smell of frying eggs drifting through the air. He blinked a few times, still adjusting to the soft morning light that filtered into his room.
He stretched, feeling a rare energy buzz through him. Today felt different — a little brighter, a little more hopeful.
After grabbing his toothbrush and toothpaste from the cabinet, he went to the washroom and began brushing his teeth. The cool minty taste and the quiet hush of the water reminded him of simpler mornings from childhood, before everything got so messy.
When he finished, he wiped his face and walked downstairs. He paused at the bottom of the staircase, surprised to see Ernestina in the kitchen, still wearing the oversized T-shirt from last night.
She stood at the counter, carefully breaking eggs into a pan. The oil sizzled softly as she tilted her head, focused on getting everything just right. Elric noticed a sliced loaf of bread nearby and some butter waiting to be spread.
He greeted her shyly, "Good morning."
She turned around with a bright smile. "Good morning, Elric."
He stepped closer and picked up a knife, starting to slice more bread for the toast. As he worked beside her, he kept glancing at her in quiet wonder."She just came here yesterday," he thought to himself, "and she's already cooking like she's part of the family. I don't get it."
After a moment, he glanced around and asked, "Where's Mom?"
Ernestina paused, her hands moving gently as she stirred the eggs. "Oh, she's in the washroom taking her bath. She started breakfast but I wanted to help, so she let me finish it."
Elric felt a warmth in his chest that he couldn't quite describe. Somehow, seeing her there , so at ease, so helpful ; made the whole house feel brighter.
Soon, they finished making breakfast. The toast was golden and crisp, the eggs fluffy and warm. They plated everything and carried it to the table.
Elric looked at her and said softly, "Thanks."
She gave him a small nod, her eyes bright with kindness.
He headed back upstairs to take his bath. The warm water washed over him, and for a few minutes, he let his thoughts drift peacefully.
Meanwhile, Ernestina also got ready in the guest room, taking her turn with the bathroom after him.
A little while later, there was a knock at the front door. Elric, now dressed in his neatly ironed school uniform, hurried to open it.
Standing outside was Ernestina's mother, holding a perfectly folded, freshly ironed uniform. She looked relieved and a bit flustered, as if she had rushed over as quickly as she could.
"Good morning, Ma'am," Elric greeted her politely, stepping aside.
"Good morning, Elric," she replied warmly. "Thank you for taking care of Ernestina. I brought her uniform and a few things she might need for school today."
They exchanged a few light words, sharing smiles that felt easy and genuine.
Elric took the uniform from her hands carefully. "I'll take this to her," he said.
He walked upstairs and stopped outside the guest room. Taking a small breath to steady himself, he knocked softly and called out, "Can I come in?"
He waited there, standing straight with the uniform folded neatly in his hands, feeling a strange mix of responsibility and excitement swirl inside him.