Ashley's parents' house still smelled the same.
A mix of lemon cleaner and warm toast. When Ashley got there, she didn't expect to see Sophia.
She had assumed it would just be her and her parents. A quiet visit. Familiar ground.
She hadn't known her sister had come home early or that she'd been invited.
So when the front door opened and Sophia came barreling toward her with a shriek, like she hadn't seen her for months, Ashley froze for half a second in surprise.
"You're here?" she laughed, hugging her back.
Sophia grinned. "Surprise. Mom said I should be."
Ashley glanced at her parents, who exchanged knowing smiles.
Her father sat in his usual chair, glasses low on his nose. He looked up and smiled softly. "There's my girl."
Her mother wiped her hands on a towel, studying Ashley's face.
