The lunch plates were still warm when Marina stood and began gathering the empty dishes. I pushed my chair back slowly, trying not to look as tired as I still felt. The nap had helped, but a lingering heaviness clung to my body.
"I'll help, Mother," I said before Hugo could stop me.
Marina blinked in surprise but smiled warmly. "Only if you walk slowly, dear. You're still recovering."
Hugo frowned immediately. "Lea…"
I raised a hand gently. "I'm just washing dishes. Not fighting monsters."
The twins giggled, kicking their small legs under the table.
"Sister Lea is strong," Mireya declared proudly.
Maxen nodded fiercely. "Super strong!"
Hugo sighed, defeated, and gestured for me to go. "Fine. But if you get dizzy even one time—"
"I'll sit," I promised.
I followed Marina into the kitchen. The warm sunlight from the window touched the sink, sparkling against the plates stacked inside. Marina turned on the water, humming softly, and handed me a towel to dry.
