Morning- The Pearl Villa
Elena watches him with a small, careful smile, the warmth of the kitchen settling into the room like sunlight. Steam curls from the vegetable pot, carrying the soft, honest aroma of home cooking. Somewhere in the back of Miles mind the city still hums — enemy, deals, shadows, — but at this table everything feels ordinary and unbearably precious.
"Is everything alright? You are quiet today," Elena asks, setting a bowl on Miles plate.
Miles lets the smile come easily. It is a smile that reaches his eyes and softens the hard planes for a moment. "Everything is fine, Mom. Just thinking."
Daniel, buttering up his bread slice but always listening, nudges him. "You know you can tell us anything."
"Thanks, Father. It's truly nothing," Miles replies, his voice filled with gratitude. "How are your days going?"
