As she disappeared down the hall, Bette wiped her hands on a dish towel and glanced toward the patio just off their bedroom. The early morning air would still be crisp, the view stretching out over the red earth plains beyond the lodge. It had been a while since they’d sat together, just the two of them, away from the noise and weight of everything else.

She called out lightly, “I’ll be on the patio, setting up breakfast. Hope you’ll join me.”

She didn’t wait for a response, but as she carried the plates toward the open doors, she found herself hoping.

***

A few minutes later, Tina stepped onto the patio, pausing for a moment to take in the sight before her. Bette had set up breakfast beautifully; a stack of golden pancakes, a small jar of honey glistening in the morning light, bowls of fresh fruit, rich coffee steaming in ceramic mugs, and a pitcher of mango juice, its vibrant colour catching the early sun. The spread was simple but thoughtful, reminiscent of mornings that felt lighter, easier.

Bette looked up from where she was pouring coffee, her expression unreadable at first, but then softening as Tina approached. “I wasn’t sure if you’d come,” she admitted, setting the coffee pot down.

Tina slid into the seat next to her, “You made pancakes,” she said, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Takes me back.”

Bette smirked, settling into her own chair. “To our first night?”

Tina nodded. “And the morning after. This same breakfast.”

Bette chuckled, shaking her head at the memory. “Except we didn’t get to finish it. Ellie made sure of that.”

They both laughed then, the sound mingling with the distant hum of the savannah waking up. Ellie, the orphaned elephant Bette had grown up with, had surprised them that morning, lumbering up to the patio with her new calf.

Tina laughed softly, shaking her head. “I had no idea what to expect. I mean, you told me about her but seeing her in real life… she was massive.”

Bette’s expression softened with the memory. “You were very unsure.”

Tina nodded, setting her fork down. “Of course I was. I’d never been that close to an adult elephant before. But you… you were so calm, so at ease. She trusted you completely.”