Chapter 93

Ollie POV

She lifted me down from the chair and got me a special stool to stand on so I could reach the counter. Then she showed me how to pour the batter into the pan, how to watch for bubbles that meant it was time to flip. I was really careful, holding the measuring cup with both hands, and Grandma Elena said I was doing a great job.

It felt good to help. It made my chest feel less tight, less scared. Like I was doing something useful instead of just being scared all the time.

Uncle Rafael came in while we were making pancakes, and he ruffled my hair. “Morning, kiddo. You’re up early.”

“I’m helping,” I told him, showing him the pancake I’d just poured. “See?”

“I do see,” he said, smiling. “That’s a perfect pancake, Ollie. Nice work.”

After the pancakes, I needed to take a bath because I’d gotten syrup on my pajamas somehow. Aunt Michelle offered to help me, and I almost said no again because Mama was the one who gave me baths usually. Bu