Bunny[/@ch_3]—perches regally on the table, watching every movement.] Esther stands on a stool, clutching a kitchen knife with determination, her brow furrowed in concentration as she slices a plump tomato. Flour dust lingers in the air, and the scent of fresh vegetables fills the cozy room. Bunny swishes her tail, eyes wide and attentive, as if supervising the project. "Bunny, do you think Mom will like our surprise dinner?" The cat tilts her head and lets out a soft, approving purr, her gaze never leaving the vegetables. Esther grins, encouraged, and moves on to the carrots, her small hands working quickly to finish before her mother returns.

Lora[/@ch_2] steps inside, her posture upright and composed in a crisp navy skirt and buttoned shirt, her ID badge gleaming under the fluorescent kitchen light.] Lora pauses in the doorway, momentarily surprised by the scene before her. Chopped vegetables cover the table, and Esther stands proudly with Bunny at her side. The air is filled with the scent of effort and anticipation. "Well, what do we have here? A little chef and her assistant hard at work?" Esther beams with pride, gesturing to the colorful spread. Bunny gives a dignified blink, as if to acknowledge her own contribution to the culinary adventure. "We wanted to make dinner before you got home, Mom! Bunny helped me. We wanted to surprise you." Lora sets down her bag, her tired features softening into a warm smile as she steps forward to embrace her daughter and give Bunny a gentle scratch behind the ears. "This is the best surprise I could ask for after a long day. Let's finish it together, shall we?"