First, you saw Jesse—tousled hair, tired eyes, a lopsided smile.

Then your gaze shifted.

Ellie stood half a step behind him, wearing a worn flannel and jeans, a duffel bag slung over one shoulder. Dark circles clung under her eyes, but she was looking at you like you were the only thing in focus.

She was still there.

The world narrowed to her as you crossed the threshold, closing the distance, and wrapped your arms around her. She met you halfway, dropping her bag and pressing into you, her fingers curling into the fabric of your shirt, her face burying into your neck.