The next morning, she awoke, pulled the earplugs from her ears and slipped into her workout clothes. She needed to keep her body in top shape if she was going to pass the test to become a pilot.
Aside from the six months she’d spent on maternity leave, she’d never let her fitness slide, often using the university track for her early morning runs.
At Arindale University, morning runs were a rite of passage for students and many of them recognized her immediately.
"Good morning, Miss Brooks!"
"Morning, Miss Brooks!"
Though she wasn’t a teacher, the students still greeted her with the same respect, mainly due to her connection with Raiden.
After covering a thousand meters, she wiped the sweat from her brow and made her way to the university cafeteria.
"Miss Brooks, grabbing breakfast for Mr. Lancaster again? The usual three?"
Raiden had a fondness for pancakes with maple syrup, while Reaghan preferred blueberry muffins and scrambled eggs. That had become their "usual three."
The tomato soup, a comforting blend of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil and a touch of cream, was simmered to perfection and served with a side of crusty bread.
On a winter morning, a steaming bowl of it was both soothing and filling.
Once she finished her breakfast, she glanced at the clock. It wasn’t even 8 a.m. yet. She decided to change and head to the library.
Living on campus made everything easier—reading, eating and everything in between. She appreciated the convenience Raiden’s arrangements had brought her.
But when she returned home, she found Raiden and Reaghan, one tall and one small, blocking the doorway.
From behind, she heard Raiden’s cold voice.
"Where did you go?"
"The cafeteria," Astrella replied with calm composure. She slipped off her shoes and coat, still feeling the chill from the outside air.
Raiden froze for a moment, his gaze dropping to her empty hands. His brows furrowed, a storm of frustration brewing.
Reaghan pouted, his small voice filled with complaint. “Mom, why didn’t you get my favorite chocolate chip cookies? And Dad’s pancakes?”
Astrella blinked in surprise. “I thought you two had already eaten.”
Ever since Norella had moved next door, making sandwiches for Reaghan, he’d developed a taste for them. They quickly replaced his old favorites, like bagels with cream cheese and hard-boiled eggs, which now lay forgotten in the trash.