The morning sun beamed through the Nova-Richards home, filling the kitchen with warm light. The window was wide open, bringing in a soft breeze and the sound of birds singing outside. Marianna stood at the stove, flipping pancakes like the kitchen queen she was. The smell of bacon and syrup filled the air.

Roman dragged himself into the kitchen, barely awake, mumbling under his breath about how it was way too early. Everyone knew mornings weren’t his thing, but his feet somehow managed to get him there anyway.

"Roman, come help your mama with these plates!" Marianna's voice was firm, with that no-nonsense tone that meant she wasn’t asking twice.

Maria, lounging on the couch with her phone, stayed quiet, scrolling through social media without looking up.

Jaxx came in from the hallway, already dressed for the day. “Morning, fam! Something smells amazing in here.” He walked over and kissed Marianna’s cheek, reaching for a piece of bacon before she playfully swatted his hand away.

Ra’niyah bounced around the kitchen, her little feet pattering as she giggled. “Mama, can I help? Please, can I help?” Her voice was bright and eager, full of that childlike excitement.

Niyah, seated in her high chair, waved her chubby hands in the air, reaching for Marianna with tiny coos. Balancing a spatula in one hand and holding Niyah on her hip, Marianna smiled. “Hold on, baby girl. Jaxx, can you take her for a sec?”

Jaxx scooped Niyah into his arms, kissing her cheek. “Come here, princess. Let’s go sit for a bit.”

Meanwhile, Ra’niyah tugged on Marianna’s apron, determined. “Mama, can I help now?”

Marianna knelt down, handing her a spoon. “Alright, baby. You can help stir the batter. Just be careful, okay?”

From the table, Marianna called out to Roman. “Roman, go wake up Auri!”

Roman grumbled but started toward the stairs, still half-asleep, as the lively morning chaos continued.