I climbed onto the table cautiously. I could hear my mother's soft humming as she cleaned the living room. If she even slightly glanced over to me, she would have killed me. My mother had done her best to drill into my head the dangers of countertops. “Kaila, don't climb on the table, use the stool please.” My mother's voice rang in the back of my head. Ignoring her warning, I grabbed the handle of the cabinet, successfully pulling myself up. I had done it. Now, all I needed to do was reach for the chocolate chips and my mother would be none the wiser.

Unfortunately for me, I had failed to inspect the surrounding area and I stepped into a puddle of vegetable oil. A loud thunk sound could be heard as my body hit the floor. My eyes opened to my mother’s disapproving face as she checked to make sure I was ok. I laid on the floor defeated as my mother grabbed the chocolate chips, finishing the chocolate chip cookies for me. I watched as she placed the tray of cookies into the oven, while my body was reeling from the pain.

Suddenly, the sweet smell of chocolate chips lifted me from my position on the floor. My mother took the cookies out of the oven, handing a plate to me. I bit into the delicious, gooey treat, finishing the cookie within three bites, quickly feeling the magical effects of the cookie. No matter what happens in my life, I know a sweet dessert will never fail to make me smile.

Wherever I am, a messy kitchen covered in baking ingredients is my safe space where I’m happiest. A world where nothing affects me and I can exist without any distractions. The simplicity of baking puts my mind to ease, following recipes step by step. I loved watching how all the ingredients mix together forming incredible confections.

My love of baking started at a young age from watching people bake online to wanting to recreate the recipes on my own. Throughout all the difficult and changing times in my life, baking has always been a constant. Whether I’m baking lemon crinkle cut cookies on a sad day or baking brownies on a celebratory day, I have always found joy in baking.

Now, that I've grown a bit and can safely reach the chocolate chips that I store on my kitchen shelves, I can proudly say baking has only been a source of peace and comfort.