Chapter 46 Home Fires And Implications

• Zara hummed to herself, a soft, content sound she didn’t even notice at first. It had been a long time since she felt this kind of calm. The spatula moved easily in her hand as she flipped the omelet. Her hands moved as if she was remembering a rhythm from another life, one that felt far, far away.
• The smell of sautéed bell peppers and onions filled the kitchen, warm and familiar. It wrapped around her like a hug, chasing away the sharp memories of camera flashes, fake smiles, and the constant pressure to be perfect. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d cooked. Not since everything changed. Not since her days had become a blur of meetings, red carpets, and always pretending she was okay.
• Behind her, soft footsteps shuffled in. Her father appeared, moving slowly like a gentle ghost from the past. His gray-streaked hair was a mess, and he wore his favorite old robe, the checkered one with frayed sleeves and faded stains from years of breakfasts and quiet mornings.