A New Beginning: Echoes of Friendship and Nighttime Revelations

I get dressed and climb down the stairs. As I walk towards the living room, dad, Stefan and Declan are seated on the couch and having a hearty laugh. Mom is leaning on the kitchen's door and smiling. I walk towards her.

"Morning sweetie" she says.

"Morning mom" I say with a smile.

"Happy marriage anniversary mom" I say pulling her into a tight hug.

"Thank you, sweetie" she says pulling away.

I walk into the kitchen and start preparing lunch. I set the table, while mom calls dad, Declan and Stefan. We sit down and have our lunch. We talk while eating and dad is engaged in talk with Declan.

"How's your college going siso?" Declan asks.

"Oh! brilliant" I say.

He eyes me with curiosity and I simply smile. We finish the entire lunch and while I clean the table and kitchen counter and mom loads the dishwasher.

"Declan, you are staying back for dinner right?" mom asks.

"Sure" he replies smiling.

"Shall we go and sit outside?" I ask Declan.

"Sure" he says.