The rain kept falling softly outside, like a gentle whisper against the thin roof of the small house.
Seraphina stood in the doorway, her heels planted firmly on the cracked wooden threshold.
The dim yellow light from inside spilt out, catching the edges of her red hair and making it glow like fire in the night.
Her big blue eyes, which had been so cold just moments ago while she watched from the shadows, now softened just a little as she looked at her birth family.
They were all staring back at her, frozen in place, like characters in one of those old stories where time stops for a big reveal.
Elowen, her mother, was the first to move.
Her hands, worn and callused from years of hard work, flew to her mouth in shock.
Tears welled up in her tired eyes, eyes that had seen too much struggle in this cramped slum life.
"Seraphina... my girl... is it really you?" Her voice was shaky, barely above a whisper, as if saying it louder might make the moment disappear.
Darius, the oldest brother, lowered the chair leg he'd grabbed as a weapon.
His broad shoulders slumped, and his protective scowl turned into wide-eyed surprise.
He was a big guy, built from manual labour in the slums, but right now, he looked like a kid who'd just seen a ghost.
"Sis? How... where have you been?" His breath came out in a rush, heavy and uneven, like he'd been holding it in.
Elias, the middle brother, peeked from behind Darius.
He was slimmer, with sharp eyes that always saw the details others missed.
He adjusted his glasses—old, scratched ones—and blinked hard, as if trying to make sense of what he was seeing.
"This can't be real. Seraphina? After all these years?" His voice was clever, probing, like he was already thinking of questions to ask.
Finnian, the youngest brother, stood a bit back, his adventurous spirit shining through even in the shock.
He had messy hair and a grin starting to form, like this was the start of some exciting tale.
"Whoa, it's you! Like from the stories Mom tells!" He bounced on his toes, his breath quick with excitement.
And little Liora, the youngest sister, hid behind Elowen's skirt at first.
She was tiny, with big, curious eyes and a thumb in her mouth.
But when she peeked out, her face lit up like the sun breaking through clouds.
"Pretty lady... sister?" Her voice was soft and sweet, innocent in a way that made Seraphina's heart twist.
Seraphina stepped inside, her heels clicking on the uneven floorboards.
The house smelled of damp wood and simple soup bubbling on a small stove in the corner.
It was tight—walls close together, paint peeling in spots, a single bulb hanging from the ceiling, casting flickering shadows.
Nadia and Harlan followed her in, standing tall and silent behind her like loyal shadows.
Nadia held the umbrella, folded now, water dripping from it onto the floor.
Harlan crossed his arms, his face neutral but watchful.
[This place... It's even smaller than I remembered. Damaged, worn down by life. But they're here. My family.]
Elowen rushed forward first, her arms opening wide.
She pulled Seraphina into a hug, her body trembling. "Oh, my baby... I thought I'd never see you again."
Her breath was ragged, tears soaking into Seraphina's blouse. Seraphina hugged back, her hands gentle on her mother's back.
The embrace was lovely, full of years of lost time, but Seraphina's eyes stayed a bit distant, like she was holding part of herself back.
Darius joined in, wrapping his strong arms around both of them.
"Sis... we looked for you. Everywhere." His voice cracked, his breath hot against her shoulder.
He pulled back, looking her up and down. "You look... different. Grown up. Fancy clothes and all."
Elias stepped up next, hugging her awkwardly but sincerely.
"Yeah, what happened? One day you were gone, and... poof."
His clever mind was already racing, his eyes flicking to Nadia and Harlan. "And who are they? Bodyguards or something?"
Finnian barreled in for a hug, almost knocking her over with his energy. "This is awesome! Like an adventure story come true!"
He laughed, his breath quick and excited, his hands patting her back like she was a long-lost treasure.
Liora tugged at Seraphina's skirt, her tiny fingers clutching the fabric.
"Up? Sister up?" Her voice was so sweet, her big eyes looking up with pure innocence.
Seraphina bent down, scooping Liora into her arms.
The little girl wrapped her legs around Seraphina's waist, holding on tight.
"There you go, sweetie," Seraphina said softly, her voice warmer now.
Liora giggled, her breath light and happy against Seraphina's neck.
The family stood there for a moment, breathing in the reality of it all.
Elowen's breaths were shaky with sobs.
Darius's deep and steady as he tried to hold it together.
Elias is quick like his mind.
Finnian's fast with joy.
Liora's small and content.