The scent of syrup and sizzling butter hung in the air as the group crowded around the largest table the café had to offer. Plates were stacked with golden pancakes, eggs, sausages, and thick slices of toast. Cups clinked gently, and the comforting sounds of a busy breakfast filled the space between them.
For a moment, everything felt… normal.
But Penny's voice cut through the peace just as she reached for her fourth piece of bacon.
"So, uh… are we going to talk about the real problem?"
Every fork paused. Every head turned.
No one needed clarification. Except for Greg.
He looked up from his plate of pancakes, confused. "What problem?"
Everyone else exchanged tired glances.
"Housing," Leo muttered. "Eight people. Three bedrooms."
"More like two beds," Rachel corrected, slouched in her seat as she drank from her chocolate milk like it was coffee.
"I could sleep in the bathtub," Lily added helpfully, stabbing yet another pancake like it owed her money.
