Micha yawned as she walked the hallway from her bedroom to the living room. She stopped and sniffed. Molly's cooking this morning? She continued on, wondering at the smells. Spices, sausage, eggs—almost normal. But there was also onion, garlic, ginger, cayenne? That isn't Molly…
She entered the kitchen and froze. There was Ali – tails, ears, fur – in one of her favourite robes, cooking. And it smelled wonderful. Micha just stood there, her mind playing catch-up.
Ali's voice was happy and resonant. "Mornin', Micha."
"It—it wasn't a dream?" She took a seat.
"No. And I figured that since I'm back, I best catch up on my turn at cookin'. Sweet Lady, I didn't realize how much I missed cookin' for others."
Micha nodded slightly. "Whatcha making? It smells good."
"Cajun scramble… eggs, a little andouille, garlic, fried onion and okra. Toast, if'n you want some too."
There was a yawn from the doorway. "That sounds yummy, love."
"Mornin', love. And it's ready."
Micha grabbed three plates and set them out. Molly got orange juice from the fridge and poured three glasses. And Ali dished out the scramble.
Once it was dished out and they were seated at the table, they paused in silent thanks for the food and for family. They ate quietly and Ali cleared the plates.
Micha leaned back in her chair. "Mmm… That was soooo good. I'd almost forgot how good your—your fox-wife's cooking is, sis."
"I know what you mean. I've tried, I just don't have her touch."
Ali smiled. "Thank you, both of you. And 'fox-wife', Micha." She chuckled. "I can't argue with that."
Her voice became softer, "So what is the schedule for today?"
"Micha and I are going to work. We'll be antsy—not because you're missing, but because neither of us knows how to explain that you're back."
"Shit." Micha leaned back, looking at the ceiling. "Sis, I hadn't even thought about that."
Resting her jaw on her forearms, Ali said quietly, "You could just say I'm back and findin' out what happened is takin' time. Keep it simple." She sighed. "And I'm pretty sure Gunzzer would have a mental break if I showed up for a shift."
"She called the second day you were missing, love. She told me, 'If she can't be bothered to call in, we can't be bothered to have her on staff.' Direct quote."
Ali's ears flattened. "Great… I'll have to figure somethin' out—find a way to contribute to the rent and bills."
Scooting her chair over, Molly started gently stroking Ali's hair. "We can work on that later. And brainstorm some ideas that won't—well, that will let you stay at home for the time being."
"Mol, I can cast a glamour—an illusion to hide my tails, ears, and such. I won't be happy about it, but I'm well aware that I may be the only kitsune in the hemisphere. And that… damn it. I just—I want to—"
"Shh, sweetheart. It's ok. We'll figure something out. Don't tie yourself in knots." She gently kissed Ali's furry cheek. "I've got to get ready for work."
