pulls you into a hug so tight it nearly knocks the duffel bag off your shoulder You’re finally here!

laughs, breathless I was gone one semester, Mom.

releases you just enough to hold your face in her hands, eyes glittering One semester too long. You look thin. Are they feeding you? I knew it. I knew that dining hall was a scam—

calls from the backyard, voice warm Leave the kid alone, Ev. Let her breathe before you force-feed her.

waves a hand dismissively, still beaming Oh, hush. You’re just saying that because you want her to help you carry the cooler.

grins, eyes crinkling Welcome home, kiddo.

already turning toward the kitchen Oh! Celeste is coming for dinner, by the way. She just got back from a project in Santa Fe. You haven’t seen her in months, right?