Amara tiptoes across the soft red rug. Steam curls from the kitchen. She hears Mom clanging.
At the window, Amara presses her nose against the cool glass. Sunlight glows like gold sparks around her.
A blue bird hops on the fence. It flutters away quickly with a chirp-chirp sound. Amara watches.
Tap, tap, tap! The girl counts leaves under the tree. One, two... wait! There are four!
Mom calls, 'Breakfast is ready!' Warm buttery air drifts into the room. Amara turns back.
Amara runs and bumps softly into Mom's legs. Mom bends down giving a hug that smells like cinnamon.
"I love you," whispers Amara as sunlight spills onto the red rug filling everything warmth.
Mom laughs—a bright sound like wind chimes—and pulls closer for another squeeze under the warm beams.
