Summer baking
26 august 1964
Remus was sitting on the warm wooden porch, sipping lemonade. The sun was hot against his tanned nose. His father was sitting leisurely in the hammock and reading a book. He couldn’t make out the title, the letters swam and blurred. His mother was tending to the raspberry bush, her soft blond hair pulled into a messy bun under her flower crown he had made for her.
The sky was blue with streaks if white across it. The grass was green. Ivy covered the picket white fence. Their dog, biscuit, lay with his face turned against the sun next to him. Her fur was soft against his palm.
She turned her brown eyes on him, so big and full of love. He kissed her forehead and it almost looked like she smiled. Her curly golden fur intertwined with his fingers. She wagged her tail and sat up. Immediately he threw the green tennis ball and she leaped after it, tail wagging behind her.
He let out a soft childish laugh. Warmth was spreading through him. He felt light and happy.
His father looked up from his book and smiled serenely at him.
“I better get going. Someone has to keep the monsters in toe” he stood up. He was so tall. His face long and his nose straight. Eyes brown and serious. His hair was a light burgundy brown.
He kissed his mother softly and stroked her cheek. She smiled, she usually smiled. He ruffled his hair as he walked past. His bangs going out of his eyes.
“We better get some baking done before your grandparents come over for tea” Hope smiled and wiped a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
He loved baking and excitement went through his stomach. Biscuit came back with the ball in her mouth, looking ever so pleased with herself.
He followed his mother to their kitchen. It was bright and colourful. Brown, yellow and green. The tiled flooring was cold against his bare feet. Ornaments lined the counters, clutter on shelves. It smelled of freshly baked bread and something sweet.
His mother took forth the cookie-jar and handed him a biscuit. She winked and patted his cheek. Her hand was warm against him.
“Since it’s Saturday” she laughed softly, quietly.
She turned on the stereo and the Beatles started playing.
They washed their hands and she put him in a small apron with mushrooms on it. Hers was yellow with cupcakes on it.
They sang along to the cheerful tune.
Here comes the sun, doo-doo-doo-doo
Here comes the sun, and I say
It's alright
Little darlin', it's been a long, cold, lonely winter
Little darlin', it feels like years since it's been here
Biscuit sat patiently beside them before his mother gave in and handed her a treat.
Hope handed him a teaspoon to taste the chocolate batter. The rick sweet taste coated his tongue. He nodded enthusiastically.