Chapter 7 - Warm Pancakes And A Sister's Loving Embrace
Miles away in a cozy, sunlit historic townhouse in Lincoln Park, the smell of butter and maple syrup filled the air.
Ten-year-old Lily flipped a slightly burnt pancake onto a ceramic plate with a triumphant grin.
“Masterpiece!” Lily announced proudly as Claire walked into the kitchen wearing a soft gray cashmere sweater.
Claire smiled, wrapping her arms around her little sister and burying her face in Lily’s curly hair.
“It smells amazing, bug,” Claire whispered, feeling the last remaining tension leave her shoulders.
“Did you sleep at all?” Lily asked, studying Claire’s tired eyes with wisdom beyond her years.
“Like a rock,” Claire lied smoothly, pulling out a chair at the wooden kitchen table.
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“Good, because I’m making you eat three of these whether you want to or not,” Lily declared, pouring orange juice into a glass.
Claire picked up her fork, looking around the warm, unpretentious kitchen that felt safer than any stone mansion in Lake Forest.
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