She hadn't lost any time, but shifting back to the kitchen was so subtle that Charity almost didn't realize she was back, until she smelled the bacon getting crispy. Contrary to popular opinion, it wouldn't have been the first time she'd burned a meal--with seven children one could not always give the stove one's undivided attention, and Michael could attest to several incidents of trial and error when they had been newlyweds. But she slipped the memory crystal into her pocket and managed to pull her focus back to the present, saving their bacon just in time.
She slid it onto a plate between layers of paper towel, covered the plate, and set it on the back of the stove to keep warm while she sprinkled cheese over the eggs to melt before dishing up.
"Maybe we can come back," she said, bringing the food to the table and leaning down to kiss Michael's cheek. Chicago was home, but the prospect of dealing with things back there was still a little overwhelming. "Bring the kids with us, next time." Her hand went into her pocket, and pulled out the little oval. "Michael...I need to show you something."