Short Story

First Light Of Dawn

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Written for Muse on Monday where David asks us
to write a story about baking late at night.
Here’s where the prompt took me.

© Mortician In The Kitchen

In the basement kitchen of their childhood home in The Bronx, three sisters gathered late into the night. The air was heavy with the scent of freshly baked loaves of bread, casseroles and cookies as they worked tirelessly to prepare a meal for the mourners who would gather after their grandfather’s funeral the next day.

As they kneaded dough and carefully shaped cookies, the sisters shared memories of their beloved grandfather. They spoke of his warm smile, his gentle nature, and the way he always made them feel safe and loved. Tears welled in their eyes as they recalled his laughter, his wisdom, and the way he would always be there for them no matter what.

Each sister had her own special memory to share. Vivian, the eldest sister remembered how her grandfather would take her on long walks through the vineyards, teaching her about the land and the importance of hard work. The middle sister, Donna, spoke of the times he would play his mandolin and sing Italian songs, filling their home with music and joy. And the youngest sister, Celeste, shared how he patiently taught her to play chess; he was so proud of her the day she won her first game against him.

As the hours passed and the kitchen grew quiet, the sisters worked in silence, lost in their own thoughts and memories. The dim light cast shadows on the walls, creating a somber atmosphere that matched the heaviness in their hearts.

Finally, as the first light of dawn began to filter through the windows, the sisters finished their baking and sat down at the kitchen table, exhausted but satisfied. They knew that the food they prepared would nourish not only the bodies of those who came to pay their respects, but also their souls, bringing comfort and solace in their time of grief.


NAR©2025

This is “Song For My Father” by Sarah McLachlan

Muse on Monday – September 22, 2025

All text and graphics are copyright for Nancy Richy and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.

30 thoughts on “First Light Of Dawn”

    1. Thanks very much, David. As a baby and toddler, my family lived with our great-grandparents and grandparents. When someone in our large Sicilian family died, this was a tradition of the immediate female relatives in the family. I got to witness it a few times and it is quite a beautiful expression of grief and love. Thank you for your very kind comments.

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  3. Remembering and honoring a loved one is very important as this aids in the healing process to give closure, reinforcing family and cultural connections, helps to preserve a person’s legacy and memory, and acknowledges the reality of death, while celebrating the impact the person had on the lives of others. 

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