Samira’s Pancake Notebook

On Saturday mornings, Samira carried three plates to the table. One was for her. One was for Dad. She put the third beside the empty chair. Mum was working far away for several months. Samira still saved her a seat at pancake breakfast.

Dad poured batter into the pan. Samira watched the empty chair. “Will next Saturday be the one when Mum comes home?” she asked. Dad turned down the heat. He sat beside her. “Not next Saturday, love. Her work finishes after your school holiday. She comes home the Saturday after that.”

There were still many school days before the holiday. Samira pressed her hands against her tummy. It felt tight. “I’m sad,” she said. “I want her here for breakfast.” Dad stayed close. “You miss Mum. It’s okay to be sad about that. I miss her at breakfast too.”