The late-afternoon sun had already dipped low, turning the sky outside into layers of soft peach and lavender.
Inside the house, Elize was curled in the corner of the big sectional sofa with a half-read novel resting open on her lap.
Ravene sprawled beside her with head tipped back against the cushions and one arm flung over her eyes like she was napping.
Yverine sat cross-legged on the rug in front of them, scrolling lazily through her phone.
But then, they heard the low rumble of tires on gravel.
Elize lifted her head first, "Seems like they're back…" she murmured, glancing toward the tall windows. "And it's almost evening."
Ravene cracked one eye open "Finally."
Yverine sat up straighter, "They were gone forever. Wonder what took so long."
Elize unfolded her legs and stood, smoothing the front of her soft sweater as she walked toward the front door.
Her hand was already on the knob when it swung open from the other side.
