Chapter 27: A Serene Sunday Morning

The soft rays of the morning sun filtered through the curtains, gently illuminating Sarah's room. She lay cocooned in her warm blankets, the prospect of a peaceful Sunday morning tugging at her senses. Just as she was drifting in and out of a half-awake state, her mother's voice gently called from the doorway.

"Sarah, dear, it's time to wake up," her mother announced, her voice carrying the soothing tone of a serene Sunday morning.

Sarah stirred in her bed, stretching and yawning as she blinked away the last remnants of sleep. She couldn't help but smile when she saw her mother standing there, her warm and welcoming presence filling the room.

"Good morning, Mom," Sarah greeted, her voice still a bit drowsy.

"Good morning, sweetheart," her mother replied with an affectionate smile. "Breakfast is ready, and I've made your favorite omelette."

Sarah's eyes brightened at the mention of her favorite breakfast. "That sounds perfect," she said as she sat up in bed, the sleepiness dissipating with the anticipation of a delicious meal. "I'll be down in a minute."

As Sarah's mother left the room, Sarah couldn't help but appreciate the simple yet heartwarming beauty of a Sunday morning with her family. It was a day to relax, reflect, and recharge, far removed from the hectic pace of her bakery.

Sarah quickly freshened up and made her way to the cozy kitchen where her mother was busy preparing breakfast. The aroma of the omelette wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of freshly brewed lemon tea.

Her mother greeted her with a warm smile as she set a steaming cup of lemon tea in front of Sarah. "Here you go, dear. Some hot tea to start your day."

"Thanks, Mom," Sarah said, savoring the fragrant tea. "You always know how to make the best tea."

Her mother chuckled as she plated the fluffy omelette. "It's a special mother's touch, my dear. Now, tell me, how have you been? How's the bakery going?"

Sarah took a sip of her tea before answering. "The bakery is doing really well, Mom. We've been quite busy lately. Emily and Lisa have been a huge help."

Her mother nodded, her expression filled with pride. "I'm glad to hear that. But don't forget to take some time for yourself, too, Sarah. Running a bakery can be exhausting."

Sarah appreciated her mother's concern. "I know, Mom. I'm planning to take a little break today. Maybe catch up on some reading or just relax."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea," her mother agreed. "And speaking of relaxing, have you been out lately? Met any interesting people?"

Sarah's thoughts briefly drifted to the encounters with Daniel, but she decided not to mention them just yet. Instead, she gave a nonchalant shrug. "Not much, Mom. Just the usual bakery routine."

Her mother gave her an encouraging smile. "Well, remember to enjoy your day off, dear. You deserve it."

As they enjoyed their breakfast together, Sarah cherished the simple yet profound moments of connection with her mother, a reminder of the love and support that surrounded her.

As Sarah and her mother continued to enjoy their breakfast, Sarah couldn't contain her excitement any longer. She leaned in, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

"Mom," she began, "I've been thinking about something lately. I want to buy a flat."

Her mother's eyebrows lifted in mild surprise. "A flat, dear? But we have this wonderful house. Why would you want to buy another property?"

Sarah took a deep breath, knowing she needed to explain her reasoning. "Well, Mom, it's not for us to live in. I've been saving up money, and I've already paid off my loan. I thought it might be a good idea to invest in a flat and rent it out. It's a way to secure our future, you know?"

Her mother listened attentively, absorbing Sarah's words. After a moment of contemplation, she nodded thoughtfully. "That's quite forward-thinking of you, Sarah. Investing in property can be a wise choice, especially if you're financially prepared for it. But are you sure you're ready for the responsibilities that come with being a landlord?"

Sarah smiled, appreciating her mother's practicality. "I've been doing some research, Mom, and I'm prepared for the responsibilities. Besides, it'll be an additional source of income, and I'll still have time to focus on the bakery."

Her mother beamed with pride. "I can see you've put a lot of thought into this, dear. If you believe it's the right step for your future, then I support you wholeheartedly."

The warmth of her mother's support filled Sarah with gratitude. "Thank you, Mom. I'll make sure to choose a flat that's a good investment."

They continued to chat about Sarah's plans for the future, the possibilities and opportunities that lay ahead. With her mother's blessing and encouragement, Sarah felt even more determined to take the next step in securing a stable and prosperous future for herself and her loved ones.

With breakfast done and the dishes washed, Sarah's mother dried her hands and turned to her daughter. "You're heading to Lisa's house today?"

Sarah nodded with a bright smile. "Yes, Mom. We planned to catch up. It's been a while since we hung out together."

"Sounds lovely, dear. Enjoy your time with your friends," her mother replied, her eyes filled with motherly affection.

After her shower, Sarah took her time getting ready. She chose to wear a white floral knee-length summer dress that had always made her feel cheerful and light. The dress was adorned with delicate pink and yellow blossoms that seemed to dance in the gentle breeze. It was the perfect outfit for a day spent with friends under the warm sun.

As she looked at herself in the mirror, she couldn't help but smile. The dress accentuated her natural beauty, and Sarah felt a sense of contentment. She paired it with comfortable sandals and a small, woven tote bag, ready for a leisurely day with her friends.

With her appearance just the way she liked it, Sarah left her room and headed downstairs.

Her mother nodded, her approval evident in her warm smile. "Enjoy your time with your friends, dear. You look lovely today."

She exchanged a few more words with her mother before grabbing her bag and heading out the door. The sun bathed the surroundings in a soft, golden glow, promising a beautiful day ahead.