Aunt Lily ties a bright yellow apron around her waist, her eyes full of warmth and excitement. Beside her stands Max, her curly-haired nephew, bouncing on his toes with anticipation. The scent of vanilla and sugar mingles in the air, making the whole room feel like a sweet, magical place.
"Aunt Lily, can I help pour the sugar?"
"Of course, Max! We’re going to make the yummiest cookies ever together," she replies with a smile, handing him the measuring cup.
Aunt Lily gently guides Max's small hands as he dumps flour into a large bowl. Tiny puffs of white dust rise up, making them both giggle. Max stirs eagerly, watching chocolate chips tumble in with wide, excited eyes.
"Now, we mix and mix until it’s all gooey and perfect," she encourages, showing him how to scrape the sides of the bowl.
"It smells like happiness!" Max exclaims, his face glowing.
Max presses a star-shaped cutter into the dough, his tongue poking out in concentration. Aunt Lily helps him lift the shapes onto a baking tray, arranging them into neat rows. The sunlight dances on the shiny metal tray, making the cookies sparkle before they’re even baked.
"Look, Aunt Lily! I made a dinosaur one!"
"That’s the best dinosaur I’ve ever seen," she laughs, ruffling his hair.
Max presses his nose to the oven door, watching the cookies puff up and turn golden. Aunt Lily sets a timer with a gentle beep, and the two of them sit together on a stool, swaying their legs in rhythm.
"I can’t wait to taste them. Do you think they’ll like me?"
"Cookies always like the person who made them with love," she assures him, wrapping an arm around his shoulder.
Aunt Lily lifts a perfect cookie and hands it to Max. He takes a big bite, crumbs scattering over his shirt, and his eyes light up with delight. Laughter and the crunch of cookies fill the air, bringing a sense of togetherness and joy.
"I think these are the best cookies in the world!"
"That’s because we made them together," she says, giving him a proud squeeze.
Max snuggles close to Aunt Lily, both of them smiling as they remember their baking adventure. Outside, birds chirp softly, and the world feels peaceful and safe. The day ends with warm hugs and promises to bake together again soon.
