Once upon a time, there was a boy who loved a girl, and her laughter was a question he wanted to spend his whole life answering.” —Nicole Krauss

  Honey

  “The aroma of lemon and garlic filled the kitchen, a familiar comfort that always brought a smile to my face. Cooking with Mama and Papa was a ritual, a cherished tradition. Unless we were feeling adventurous, our Sunday lunches were a family affair, a symphony of laughter, shared stories, and the comforting clatter of pots and pans.

  ‘How’s the bakery doing, Honey?’ Papa asked, a twinkle in his dark brown eyes. My dad, a man whose laughter could light up a room, sat opposite me, his jet-black hair now peppered with silver, a stark contrast to the vibrant green of his eyes. He reminded me of Doctor Strange, a touch of the magician about him.

  ‘Really good,’ I said. ‘I’ll bring you some more pastries this week.’ He rubbed his stomach contentedly, a mischievous glint in his eye. ‘More pastries, eh?’ he chuckled, his voice rumbling with amusement. Mama and I exchanged a knowing glance. Papa’s sweet tooth was legendary.

  Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

  ‘Anything new?’ Mama asked, pulling her long golden brown hair into a bun on top of her head. Mama, with her warm smile and eyes that crinkled at the corners when she laughed, looked effortlessly elegant. Her coffee-cream skin, barely touched by time, was a testament to our excellent genes, as she never failed to remind us.

  I twirled the pasta around my fork, the lemon sauce clinging to it. Should I tell them about Avion? He was… different. Not like the other guys I’d dated. There was a depth to him, an intensity in his gaze that both intrigued and intimidated me. I wasn’t sure what to call it – friendship? Something more? I wasn’t sure myself. I decided against telling them about Avion for now. The conversation flowed easily, punctuated by laughter and the clinking of forks. We played a lively game of Uno, the playful banter filling the air. Finally, it was time to leave. As I drove home, I decided a walk would be the perfect way to unwind. The fresh air and exercise would clear my head and perhaps offer some clarity on the whirlwind of emotions I was experiencing.