The sizzle of bacon and the smell of fresh coffee filled the air as you stood in the kitchen, humming along to the radio as you prepared breakfast for your family. It was a lazy Saturday morning, and you were determined to make the most of it.
You were just plating up the last of the pancakes when Calina came bounding into the room, her little eyes wide with excitement.
"Mommy! Daddy said I can help you!" she exclaimed, bouncing on her toes.
You smiled, reaching out to ruffle her hair. "That's great, sweetie," you said. "What do you want to help with?"
Calina thought for a moment, her little brow furrowed in concentration. "I wanna help with the eggs!" she declared, pointing at the bowl of beaten eggs on the counter.
You nodded, grabbing a second bowl and handing it to her. "Okay, baby," you said. "You can start by beating the eggs like this."
Calina took the bowl eagerly, her little hands gripping the fork as she began to stir the mixture. But as she beat the eggs, her face suddenly scrunched up in confusion.
"Mommy?" she asked, looking up at you with wide eyes. "Did you pray last night?"
You froze, your hand hovering over the stack of pancakes. "No, sweetie," you said slowly. "Why do you ask?"
Calina's little face was serious as she replied. "Because I heard you last night," she said. "You said 'Oh god! Oh god! Ah! Jesus Christ! I'm coming!' Like that. Are you going to heaven, mommy?"
You felt your cheeks flush with embarrassment, your eyes widening in shock. Beside you, Cassian let out a choked laugh, slapping a hand over his mouth to stifle his amusement.
You shot him a warning look, glaring daggers at him. "Cassian!" you hissed, feeling your face burn with humiliation.
But Cassian just shook his head, his shoulders shaking with silent laughter. "Sorry, love," he managed to say, his voice strained with mirth. "I couldn't help it."
Calina tilted her head, her eyes blinking up at you curiously. "Mommy?" she asked, her little hand patting your cheek. "Are you okay? You look funny."