The Smell of the Pancake

Kanisha stares at the open door where that man leaves. A growl in her stomach distract her from her thoughts as she slowly stand up. The smell of the pancake invades her brain she can only think how of delicious it will be.

The went to the door and peek outside if there is a guard but to her surprise, not far from her is a large stairs that spiraled down into a room.

The scent of the pancakes became stronger as she neared in the archway into the kitchen. Then she saw a woman who was softly humming to herself while cooking food, oblivious to Kanisha who is standing in the doorway.

Kanisha observed her face, so carefree, so happy which makes Kanisha envious. Her hair was the same midnight black that the man but have some grey hair on it.

She turn around and saw Kanisha awkwardly standing there in her large T-shirt.

She rushed over to her and lift Kanisha's thin arms. "Are you alright?" She asked as she gives her a light hug.

Kanisha panicked and take a deep breath as she nodded to the woman in front of her.

The woman held her shoulders and stared at her with sympathy. "I don't really know what you've been through but you must know that you are safe here with us, okay?"

Kanisha's mouth open but quickly shut up and just nodded again. Thinking that Nat told her that she's safe with him but end up cheating on her and leading her to be imprisoned and tortured.

"I forgot to introduced myself. I'm Mae Therian, Axel's mom." She held her hands out. Kanisha took it and they shake hands.

"Ka-Kani-sha Wa-waters." She stuttered.

Mae smiled genuinely at her and led her to the table. She sat down and Mae give her a plate of pancakes with maple syrup and butter in the middle.

Kanisha's eyes bulged as she saw those thick pancakes in front of her, with trembling hands she grab the fork and knife and slowly cut it into piece as her saliva drools from her mouth.

It's been 2 years since she taste something different than flesh and blood.

Mae took off her apron and washed her hands then sit down in front of Kanisha and watched her eat. This makes Kanisha conscious as she slowly put down the fork.

"Eat up Kanisha, I maked this for you." Mae smiled at her and encourage her to eat.

Kanisha takes a bite and she felt like she's in heaven. "This is so good!"

Mae giggled. "You flattered me. Eat more pancakes." Mae takes another plate with a stack of pancakes and pushed it to Kanisha. Then she grab a bottle of apple juice and pour a glass and give it to her.

"Thank you." Kanisha smiled with a full mouth.

"Don't be hon. I'll gonna fetch Axel outside to have breakfast too, continue to eat." Then Mae winked at her which makes Kanisha thinks who is this Axel.

She just shrugged the thought and continue eating the delicious pancakes.

Minutes past by when the sound of the door opened and Mae and the man walk inside the kitchen.

Kanisha just finished chugging her apple juice when she saw the man looking at her which cause her to choke her drink.

Mae goes up to her and patted her back as Kanisha is coughing violently. The man pour a water in the glass and give it to her.

"I'm o-okay *cough*." Kanisha tried to smile but failed as she continues to cough.

Mae and the man wait for her to be okay until they spoke.

"This is Axel, my son." Mae introduced her to Axel as if both of them never shared a room this morning.

The man who is Axel cleared his throat and extend his hand. Kanisha take it and a sudden spark like electricity trailed in her hand. She immediately pull away as this feeling is new to her.

Axel also retreat his hand and sit down as if nothing happened between them. He takes a pancake and put it in his plate, ignoring her. The silence is unbearable, even Mae cringed a little at how cold his son to Kanisha.

"Have you eaten a lot Kanisha?" Mae asked to break the silence. Kanish smiled at her.

"Yes, thank you for the food, it's really delicious."

Mae's face light up and claps her hand in joy. "I'm gonna cook delicious food in the future for your recovery."

Axel choked on his pancake by hearing Mae's words. Mae slap his shoulder but smile at Kanisha.

"Can I call you Sha? Your name is too long to say." Mae said.

"Sure, Sha is actually my nickname." Kanisha quietly said. Mae just nod.

"Okay Sha, let's dress you up so that I can tour you in our place." Mae said as she pull Sha in her arm and guide her to the bathroom leaving Axel who is coughing there.