Little Star
Niv Hani
The kitchen was alive with gentle laughter and the clinking of utensils as Valery and Mahsa worked side by side, preparing something that smelled absolutely delicious. Ever since Valery found out that Mahsa didn't have a mother, she had almost stepped into that role herself, making sure Mahsa felt cared for and had someone to approach. From showing her new recipes to just offering a comforting presence, Valery's instinct to nurture had kicked into high gear. It was the same instinct that smothered her Padawans at time.
She just couldn't help it.
Vera stood in the doorway, watching the scene with an exaggerated roll of her eyes but a smirk tugging at her lips. It had become a familiar sight over the past few weeks — her mom treating Mahsa as one of her own. Of course, it was sweet, but Vera wasn't about to admit that out loud. Not yet, at least. "Mom's at it again," she muttered under her breath, shaking her head slightly but unable to stop the warmth growing in her chest.
Unable to resist, Vera strolled into the kitchen, arms crossed casually over her chest. Her eyes scanned the ingredients scattered across the counter, and she arched an eyebrow. "Alright, what are you two cooking up this time?" she asked, half-teasing, half-curious as she leaned against the counter.
Valery looked over at Vera, a gentle smile lighting her face. "Oh, you know, just teaching Mahsa one of our family recipes," she replied warmly, her voice filled with that typical motherly pride. "Want to help?" Valery added, playfully raising an eyebrow at Vera as she gestured to an empty space at the counter, inviting her daughter to join the little cooking party.
"No, I'm good," Vera said with a smirk, "But I'd love to eat it."