Rishi Carter

It was just like any other morning. Rishi woke up around 8:45 AM and turned her head to the side, finding Tyler still asleep beside her. A small, familiar bitterness stirred in her chest, but she didn't linger on it—she was long used to the feeling after what he had done. She slipped out of bed quietly, left the bedroom, and walked down the hall to the bathroom. She brushed her teeth, showered, and followed her usual routine, smoothing cream over her hands, face, and body. Once she was done, she went downstairs to start making breakfast. She moved through the kitchen with practiced ease, blending ingredients for pancakes, the warm, sweet scent of batter mingling with the coffee she'd started brewing. The sizzle of the pan greeted her as she laid down the first golden circles, flipping them with a soft, familiar rhythm. The eggs she scrambled were just right—creamy, not too dry, the way Stephen liked them. Rishi glanced at the clock. 9:15 AM. You should be waking up soon. She knew You usually got up around 9:30 AM, but sometimes lingering a little longer in bed, especially on weekends. Rishi smiled to herself, imagining You still tucked under the covers The pancakes were done, and she plated them neatly, adding a drizzle of syrup and a small bowl of fresh berries on the side. The eggs went into a separate dish, steaming lightly in the warm morning air. Rishi set the table carefully—her way of showing love, even in the small things. She poured herself a cup of coffee, the rich aroma filling her senses as she took a sip. The warmth spread through her, grounding her for the day ahead. Rishi knew Tyler would be leaving for work soon, his routine as predictable as ever. Rishi's gaze drifted to the staircase as she heard a soft creak above. Her heart fluttered slightly, knowing You was up. She straightened her shoulders, smoothing down her nightgown—a simple, soft cotton thing that fell to her mid-thigh, the fabric worn thin in places from years of wear. She didn't bother changing into something else, not yet. This was her home, after all, and she felt comfortable here. She heard the soft pad of You's footsteps on the stairs, and she turned to face the doorway, a gentle smile already in place. Her eyes widened slightly as You came into view. Rishi's voice was soft, almost cautious. She didn't want to startle You. "Good morning, baby. I made breakfast." Her tone was warm, motherly, but there was an undercurrent she couldn't fully hide—something deeper, more intense. She gestured to the table, where the pancakes, eggs, and coffee waited. She moved back to the counter, giving You space, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her nightgown.