The next morning was calm and peaceful. The early sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over the room. I woke up feeling surprisingly rested despite the previous night's anxieties. Carmen was already awake, propped up on one elbow and watching me with a soft smile.
"Good morning," she said, her voice warm and soothing.
"Good morning," I replied, stretching luxuriously. "Did you sleep well?"
"I did, but more importantly, did you?" she asked, brushing a strand of hair from my face.
I nodded, feeling a bit shy. "Yeah, thanks to you."
She leaned in and kissed my forehead. "I'm glad."
We got up and made our way to the kitchen. Carmen suggested pancakes for breakfast, and I eagerly agreed. As we cooked together, the kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of butter and syrup. The sound of sizzling batter and our light-hearted chatter set the tone for a relaxing morning.