Morning and The Unexpected Visitor

Morning light filtered softly through the curtains of John's apartment. One by one, the small household began to stir. In their individual rooms, John, Andrea, and Officer Jennifer Lewis slowly woke from a night's rest.

Jennifer stepped out of her room, her eyes scanning the neat apartment. Surprisingly clean, she thought. I never expected this place to be so tidy for a ten-year-old who just lost his mom. Yesterday, when they arrived, she had braced herself for chaos—clothes scattered, dishes piled up. Instead, the apartment felt calm, orderly.

Curious, Jennifer walked toward the kitchen. There, John was busy at the stove, carefully preparing breakfast. His movements were precise and deliberate, almost adult-like. Jennifer couldn't help but smile at the unexpected sight of such responsibility in someone so young.

"Good morning, John," Jennifer greeted softly.

John glanced over his shoulder with a shy smile. "Good morning, Officer Lewis."

From the hallway, Andrea appeared, rubbing sleep from her eyes. Her voice was quiet but warm. "Good morning, everyone."

John called out from the kitchen, "Breakfast is ready! Come eat before it gets cold."

Andrea and Jennifer exchanged a glance, then moved toward the kitchen table where John had already set three plates.

As they settled around the table, chatting softly, the sudden ring of the doorbell startled them all.

John froze mid-bite. Andrea looked toward the door, eyes wide. Jennifer frowned. None of them expected visitors so early.

John's thoughts immediately reached out for his Great Sage, in his mind that helped him understand strange events.

Great Sage, John whispered silently, what's going on? Who could that be?

A calm, ethereal voice echoed inside his mind.

Great Sage: It's the company card you ordered—the black card. The one I got for you. Don't worry; there isn't much money on it—just a million dollars.

John blinked in surprise. A million dollars? That was a lot, but it explained the delivery.

He thought for a moment, then asked, What if Lewis asks where the money came from?

Great Sage: You can explain it however you want. I'll give you a reason if she asks. Don't worry—just be honest enough to satisfy her but careful not to give too much.

John nodded quietly, filing away the information.

Back at the table, Andrea stretched and smiled at John and Jennifer. "I feel kind of lucky this morning."

Jennifer smiled warmly. "You both deserve some luck. And a good breakfast."

John chuckled softly, "Yeah, me too. I'm glad we're all here together."

Andrea looked between them. "Thanks for letting me stay. I feel safe."

Jennifer nodded. "We're a team now. We look out for each other."

John reached for his fork, then paused, looking thoughtfully at Andrea. "Today's going to be better than yesterday."

Andrea smiled shyly. "I hope so."

The doorbell rang again, and John rose carefully from the table. Whatever the day held next, John knew they'd face it together.