While some moved through long nights, somewhere else, morning arrived without weight.
"Anna!", "GET UP!"
The knock came again louder this time. "If you don't wake up in five minutes, I am coming in."
She groaned and turned her face into the pillow. Just after five seconds, another knock was heard.
"Painter Madam! Even your alarm clock is tired of you. Don't you have work sleepy-head?"
"Just go away Eden". Anna said tiredly.
"You'll be late and the breakfast is getting cold."
"Ugh!! I heard that. She mumbled, pushing herself upright.
Her hair was a mess, her eyes half-opened and her patience thinner than usual. She opened the door and glared at her brother.
"You knock like the house is on fire."
Eden grinned, already shouldering his backpack and said,
"Well emotionally yes! I might miss my school again because of you."
"Just go, I am coming" Anna sighed.
"Be Quick."
"Yeah yeah!"
Anna shut the door behind her and leaned against it for a second, letting the quiet settle again. She had always been more of a night person. She's someone who thought better when the world slowed down. Somewhere in the midst of this, there was calmness in her.
She liked simple things: soft mornings, open windows, familiar routine that didn't bother her too much. Painting wasn't just her profession; it was how she made sense of everything - living somewhere between coloures and blank spaces, never rushing either. That's how she is.
Downstairs smelled like toast and spices. Their dog thumped its tail the moment Anna appeared, and she bent down to pat his head, scratching behind his ears the way he liked. "Good morning, little one," she whispered, earning herself some good licks.
Anna headed towards the drawing room and saw her father sitting there with a newspaper in his hands and his glasses resting low in his nose. She leaned down without a word and planted a quick kiss in his cheek.
"Good morning, Dada!"
He smiled, reaching up to pat her head," Good morning Sweety!, Up earlier than usual."
She shrugged, "I was forced into it."
Her father raised an eyebrow, "Your brother?"
"And your wife" Anna added. "It's a joint operation."
He laughed softly, "I knew it. I warned you- once they team up, there's no escape.
She leaned closer, lowering her voice, "I think they enjoy it."
Her father laughed. "Indeed", he said knowingly, tapping the newspaper. "Anna, how's work going? Big projects, small miracles or artistic suffering?"
She laughed, "A healthy mixture of everything."
Her father hummed thoughtfully, "As long as you are not
skipping meals again. Your mother will blame me."
Anna leaned closer and said, "She already does for everything."
He chuckled. "True. Yesterday I breathed too loudly and somehow it was my fault."
They shared a grin just as a voice cut through the room.
"I can hear both of you," her mother called from the kitchen. "And if you are awake enough to gossip, you are awake enough to come and eat."
Anna straightened instantly. "See?" She said to her father.
"Go", he said, smiling. "Before she adds another complaint to my list."
Anna laughed, giving him one last squeeze in his shoulder before heading to the dining table, where her brother is already sitted. The clatter of cutlery and her brother's familiar presence greeted her before she reached there.
She settled into her chair as her brother reached for his bag, already half-ready to leave. He paused once he noticed her watching her.
"What?" He asked.
She tilted her head amused, "Nothing, just surprised you are sitting still for once."
"That's because Mom threatened to hide my keys," he said casually.
Their mother smiled placing dishes on the table. "I did not. I just merely reminded you the consequences."
Anna laughed softly, reaching for her food. "See? Very peaceful household."
Her brother shook his head. "You say that now. Give it five minutes."
Their mother glanced at Anna, her expression easing. "You're heading out today, right?"
Anna nodded, "Yeah. There's a bit of work waiting."
"You have been busy lately," her mother said noticing.
"Make sure you eat properly and don't forget to rest."
Anna smiled gently, "I will."
Her mother reached out, brushing Anna's hair back instinctively, "I know you manage things well. Just... take care of yourself too."
"I will Ma." she said softly, but assured.
Breakfast ended easily. Her brother grabbed his bag calling out a quick goodbye, while Anna slipped on her shoes, pausing to give her mother a brief hug and her father a small wave from the doorway.
"Don't be late", her mother called.
"No promises". Anna replied with a smile, stepping out into the morning, the door closing gently behind her.