As the faint sweetness of freshly baked cakes filled the air around us, my heart danced in rhythm with the playful energy swirling in the kitchen.
I watched Aeliana with fascination as she moved with ease, drawing ingredients together, her focus undeterred by the potential chaos of the previous moments.
"Alright, where do we start?" I asked, trying to break the lighthearted tension that remained. I felt a giddy thrill at being here with her, the laughter still bubbling at the edges of my psyche.
"First, we need to make the batter! Grab that mixing bowl and the flour!" Aeliana instructed, her confidence returning as she gracefully retrieved a large bowl. The familiar spark in her eyes reignited as we fell into the comforting rhythm of baking together.