E 1
Sunlight spills gently into the kitchen, golden and warm.
The sound of coffee brewing hums softly in the background.
Rowan stands barefoot in an oversized hoodie—Lucien’s hoodie—pouring oat milk into three mugs.
The scent of toasted bread and fresh espresso fills the air.
Rowan Callahan Hudson
(humming to himself, stirring one mug, smiling)
Jeremy Winslov
(soft footsteps, entering the kitchen with slouched shoulders and sleepy eyes)
Jeremy Winslov
Morning, Ro
Rowan Callahan Hudson
There’s the baby Bear.
Rowan Callahan Hudson
(turns, arms open)
Rowan Callahan Hudson
Come here.
Jeremy Winslov
(lets out a shaky breath, walks straight into the hug)
Rowan Callahan Hudson
You always smell like those cinnamon rolls from the bakery down the street.
Rowan Callahan Hudson
(Chuckles)
Rowan Callahan Hudson
Did you sneak one again last night?
Jeremy Winslov
(muffled against Rowan’s chest)
Rowan Callahan Hudson
(pulls back, searching his face)
Rowan Callahan Hudson
You okay?
Jeremy Winslov
(eyes dart away)
Rowan Callahan Hudson
(not buying it, switches off the stove)
Rowan Callahan Hudson
(sets down the spoon, takes Jeremy’s hand)
Rowan Callahan Hudson
Talk to me. What’s going on?
Jeremy Winslov
(Lower lip trembles)
Rowan Callahan Hudson
(squeezes his hand, gently)
Rowan Callahan Hudson
Jeremy, what’s wrong?
Jeremy Winslov
(voice barely audible)
Jeremy Winslov
I’m… pregnant.
The coffee machine clicks off with a final hiss.
Rowan Callahan Hudson
(eyes widen, lips parting slightly)
Rowan Callahan Hudson
You’re… what?
Jeremy Winslov
(nods slowly, tears brimming)
Jeremy Winslov
I didn’t mean for it to happen, I—It was just once
Jeremy Winslov
I didn’t even think that I could—
Jeremy Winslov
(Voice crack)
Jeremy Winslov
I don’t know how but I’m pregnant
Jeremy Winslov
I’m scared…
Lucien Winslov
(from the kitchen doorway, voice like thunder)
Lucien Winslov
You are WHAT?!
Jeremy jolts, Rowan instinctively shields him with an arm.
Lucien stands frozen in his crisp white shirt, tie half-done, a dark expression on his face.
Protective. Furious. Confused.
Rowan takes a step between them, his voice calm but firm.
Rowan Callahan Hudson
Lucien. Not now
Lucien Winslov
(Jaw Clenched)
Lucien Winslov
He’s my brother, Rowan.
Rowan Callahan Hudson
And he’s scared.
Rowan Callahan Hudson
Look at him.
Lucien Winslov
(eyes flick back to Jeremy)
The tension breaks slightly.
Jeremy Winslov
(wipes a tear from his cheek)
Rowan quietly pulls Jeremy into another hug, and Lucien—still standing by the door—says nothing more.
But his hands curl into fists.
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